Searching for Gold in The Garbage Can: Decision-Making on Resource Utilization in Schools Using the Garbage-Can Model

The study employed qualitative methodology, relying on semi-structured interviews, in order to identify and analyze occurrences of the garbage-can decision-making model regarding resource attainment and allocation in Israeli schools. Results indicate that the garbage-can model of decision-making is salient when school principals try to use opportunities to obtain additional resources, manage human resources, and implement additional teaching hours under conditions of pressure and urgency. Results of this study may inform school principals and policymakers when making decisions concerning resources, especially when conditions are stipulated for the resources' provision.