Influence Of Principals ‘leadership Styles On Students’ Performance At Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Education In Kinangop District, Kenya
Abstract
The search for excellence in schools is an ever ending feat especially in relation
to registering continuous improvement. The role played by the principal towards
school excellence as represented by a academic performance is of great concern
to all stakeholders in education. The principals’ role is exemplified by the
leadership style employed.
The study sought to analyze the leadership styles of principals and their influence
on leaners’ performance of secondary schools in Kinangop district. The research
used descriptive survey design to obtain information regarding the independent
variable, which was leadership styles, and that of the dependent variable, which
was school performance. Data was collected using questionnaires from 75
teachers and 15 head teachers.
The key finding was that there is a strong positive relationship between the
leadership style and school performance. The autocratic leadership style of the
school’s head teachers has a negative effect on school performance (-0.65).
There is also a strong negative correlation between the laissez-faire leadership
style and school performance in secondary schools (-0.66). There is a weak
relationship between the transformational leadership and school performance in
secondary schools (0.34); and there is a strong positive relationship between
democratic leadership style and school performance in secondary schools (0.48).
Most principals do not involve others in making decisions on matters affecting
them. Their leadership style has an autocratic bias and they cannot strike a
balance between democratic and autocratic leadership. Most principals’ felt that
they used democratic style of leadership though their schools posted poor results
in KCSE. On the other hand, most teachers felt that their principals used
autocratic leadership style. On the ground most school in Kinagop district post
below average performance. Need therefore exists for the school administrators
to embrace and practically employ democratic and transformational leadership
styles. Key recommendation was that there is a need for equipping the principal
with the necessary management and leadership skills through a structured and
regular in service programme. Nurturing of democratic principles should be
instituted in all spheres of school administration, including the student
leadership. School principals should endeavor to employ both democratic and
transformational leadership styles. Experienced and productive principals should
also act as mentors to newly appointed and under performing principals.
This study also recommends that elaborate plans be made to develop staff
development programmes and succession plans by both the teachers service
commission and the Kenya education management institute. This will ensure
sustained supply of competent personnel to run schools.
Citation
Kariuki P. Maru. (2013). Influence Of Principals ‘leadership Styles On Students’ Performance At Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Education In Kinangop District, Kenya. A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of a Master Degree in Educational Administration University of Nairobi.Publisher
University of Nairobi, School of Education
Collections
- Faculty of Education (FEd) [5963]