Influence Of Head Teachers’ Motivational Practices On Teachers’ Job Performance In Public Primary Schools In Nyandarua Central Sub-County – Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of head teachers‟ motivational practices on teacher‟s job performance in Nyandarua Central Sub- County. The objectives of the study were: to determine how head teachers participation in teacher professional development, to establish the extent to which participatory leadership strategies influence teachers job performance, to determine the extent to which head teachers recognition of teachers for work well done influence teachers job performance and to examine the extent to which working conditions influence teachers job performance. The research design used was descriptive survey design. The sample size comprised of 15 primary school head teachers, 75 standard 8 teachers and 225 standard 8 pupils. Simple random sampling was used to select the head teachers, teachers and pupils who participated in the study. The instruments used were questionnaires for class 8 teachers, interview guide for head teachers and focus group discussion guide for standard 8 pupils. Data collected was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean and percentages whereas qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The results of the data were analyzed using tables. The study revealed that some head teachers involved their teachers in decision making process in their respective schools. It also revealed that some teachers disagreed that head teachers shared responsibilities or delegated duties to their teachers. The study also revealed that recognition is an important motivator and majority of the respondents agreed that good work is often acknowledged through praise or word of mouth and rarely tangible rewards were given. The study revealed that there is need to improve on the working conditions to motivate the teachers since majority felt that this was wanting. The study concluded that head teachers needed to motivate their teachers so that they further their studies, and attend training and seminars as this would assist them to update themselves with changing knowledge and skills. There was also the need to involve teachers in decision making since schools are managed effectively when those affected by the organization decision are involved in decision making process. Head teachers needed to do more on acknowledging good work done by teachers in order to motivate and improve their self-esteem, confidence and sense of security, head teachers needed to make working conditions more friendly and conducive to the teachers. The following recommendations were made; the head teachers to adopt a multifaceted approach of motivational practices in enhancing teacher job performance in primary schools through promoting teachers recognition and working conditions, the government through the ministry of education to conduct regular training for the head teachers on motivational strategies to equip them with skills and knowledge needed in their managerial role. The following suggestions were made for further studies; a similar research study on teacher job performance in private schools in the same area, a research to be done to investigate the role of training and development on teacher job performance.