This paper purports to discuss the political aspects of school-based management(SBM),
drawing upon a literature review of the theories and practices of the approach, with a look
into the experience of Korean school councils in particular. Although the SBM approach implies
the broad participation of stake holders, decentralization of power and transformational
leadership of principals, school councils in Korea have not seen much success in these aspects
as compared to the outcomes of other countries. Despite the strong rationales and
internationally growing popularity of the approach, a review of studies on Korean school
councils has revealed a number of interesting findings, including contradicting research results
according to different methodologies, limited participation in council activities, disfavored
conditions, eschewed politics, and insufficient principal leadership. Measures identified for the
improved implementation of SBM are capacity building, restoration of the school council as a
basic decision-making body, an efficient administrative system, and sufficient support for
schools.