Effects of Poor Leadership Styles in Lubombo Secondary Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore effects of poor leadership styles in the Lubombo secondary schools. Its objectives were to establish how the head teachers leadership styles affect the academic performance of learners in the secondary schools in the Lubombo region; and to establish ways in which head teachers can improve their leadership styles in the secondary schools in the Lubombo region. The study adopted a qualitative approach and case study design. Purposeful sampling was used to select a sample of 36 participants comprising 30 teachers, 3 deputy head teachers and 3 head teachers. The researcher used semi-structured interview, focus group discussions and observation as tools of data collection. The study revealed that using democratic leadership styles gives the teachers a chance to share their views making them feel valued leading to good performance. Poor leadership leads to failure of students at the school. The role of head teachers as leaders is thus a critical factor in determining implementation of school programmes. Also good leadership encourages good discipline leading to good performance. The findings showed that the head teacher needs to avoid using force on teachers and should be a role model to the teachers and work together to improve the performance of the school. The findings revealed that regular training through workshops, in-service training and self -upgrading would help in improving the head teachers’ leadership styles.

Keywords: Leadership, leadership styles, discipline head teacher, management.

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-24-02

Publication date: December 31^st 2019