INFLUENCE OF PRINCIPALS' LEADERSHIP STYLES ON STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NJORO DISTRICT, NAKURU COUNTY

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the influence of principals' leadership styles on students' academic performance The study was guided by the following specific objective: identify the leadership styles used by Principals in public secondary schools in Njoro District, determine the influence of Principals' leadership on the managements of schools, establish the influence of Principals' leadership on teachers' job satisfaction in secondary schools and identify the influence of Principals' leadership on the performance of students.

Design/ Methodology/Approach: This study used descriptive survey design. Purposive sampling was used to select the school principals, while simple random sampling technique was used to sample teachers, subordinate staff and students. A total of 380 respondents were targeted by the study (constituting 20 principals, 80 teachers, 40 subordinate staff and 240 students) out of which 372 responded (20 principals, 78 teachers, 34 subordinate staff and 240 students) giving a response rate of 98%. In sampling of the students, 12 students were sampled from form three classes in the schools selected. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used as instruments for data collection.

Findings: Principals' leadership style influences school management in that it affects staff morale and decision making which impacts on service delivery among the teaching and non-teaching staff. The study further concludes that leadership style affects job satisfaction among the staff through their participation in decision making.

Contribution to policy and practice: The study concluded that principals should adopt the use of leadership style such as the participative style where the staff ideas are also considered in decision making. This will improve their morale and hence job satisfaction.

Originality/Value: The study extends the literature on leadershp style and management to improve performance in learning institutions.