Influence of principals' leadership behaviour on school performance : a case study in the secondary schools of the Southern region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the influence of principals' leadership behaviour on school performance in Secondary Schools of the Southern Region in Ethiopia. The problems addressed in the research were the effects of principals' leadership behaviour on the school performance, the dominant leadership styles of principals' and their manifestations and the major factors that affect the performance of a school. The main research question that guided this study was: How does the principals' leadership behaviour influence the performance of government secondary schools in the Southern region of Ethiopia? A qualitative method, using a case study design was employed with analysing documents, observation and interviews as a means of data collection. Through face-to-face and semi-structured, open-ended in-depth interviews with 30 participants, the researcher uncovered personal views of principals' leadership behaviour on school performance. Principals used the autocratic as well as the democratic and laissez-faire style. With increasing educational qualifications the employees exhibit more of the democratic leadership tendencies and those who are educated less are inclined towards the autocratic leadership style. The lack of a compelling vision and mission for government schools continues to be a major obstacle in any effort to improve schools. It was developed as a strategy that the principals were well equipped with knowledge and skills in management and leadership to transform the Secondary Schools of the Southern Region of Ethiopia.