LEADERSHIP STYLES ADOPTED BY HEADTEACHERS AND THE INFLUENCE ON STAFF PERFORMANCE INPRIMARY SCHOOLS OF CHIMOIO CLUSTER IN MOZAMBIQUE

Year 2016, Volume: 5 , 107 - 115, 01.09.2016

Charnaldo Jaime Ndaipa

Abstract

The research study was designed to examine the leadership styles
adopted by head teachers and the influence on staff performance in primary
schools of Chimoio cluster in Mozambique. The research design used was a
mixed method that incorporated both the quantitative and qualitative
approaches. The target population consisted of head teachers, teachers and
non-teaching staff from which a sample of five head teachers from five schools,
thirty teachers and twenty non-teaching staff were involved in the study
through purposive and random sampling. The research instruments used to collect
data were open and close format questionnaire, in-depth interview and document
analysis. The study findings showed that the overwhelming majority of head
teachers employ democratic leadership style in
Chimoio cluster primary schools which enhances positive school staff
performance. Regarding to major factors that influence negatively the staff
performance, the majority of the respondents highlighted lack of motivation,
pupils’ incompetence, low remuneration, coercive measures and lack of
in-service training for professional development. It was evident from the
findings that through democratic approach, staff participation and involvement
in school matters and positive interpersonal relationship between school staff
and head teachers influence the staff performance in various primary schools in
Chimoio cluster. The study also established that there is a significant
relationship between democratic leadership style and school climate. The main
recommendations were addressed to the District Services of Education,
youth and technology of Chimoio that should sensitise head teachers to apply
democratic leadership style to enhance positive school staff performance, to
run periodically in-service training to head teachers in collaboration with
local universities which could adopt them with competence-based approach,
towards management and leadership skills so that they improve the performance
of their schools, to find ways of increasing school income for paying
incentives and monetary reward so that it motivates the school staff. 

Keywords

Leadership styles, school performance

References

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