Isomorphism and variation of the school management of the Brazilian public elementary school system

Abstract

This article discusses the homogeneity and variety of the network of the public education network of Brazilian elementary schools. The theoretical background is based on the contemporary institutional perspective debate about the homogeneity and variation of the organizational field. The study addresses a gap in the literature by focusing on how much structural forms are isomorphics in one organizational field as well as identifying their social consequences. From this, two propositions are presented. The first assumes that there is one educational management model spread in the public education network and the second points to variations related to the performance of schools. A survey was applied to 551 teachers from the municipal network of education of Belo Horizonte (MG). The results show that there is isomorphism in the educational management model based on values of dialogue and participation. However, there are also variations in this model, which are associated to the performance of schools. The article’s main theoretical contribution is the identification of the institutional logics present in an organizational field and its consequences to the organization.