Abstract:
This study examined the influence of principal leadership styles on teacher‟s job satisfaction in
secondary schools of Wolaita Zone. To achieve the objective of the study, sequential explanatory
design was employed. 10 woredas and 12 secondary schools were selected through simple
random sampling.12 teachers assocations under sample schools 10 secondary schools‟
supervisors, and 30 principals were selected through purposive sampling technique.
Furthermore, 247 teachers, 12 unit leaders and 36 department heads participated in the study by
using simple random sampling technique. Questionnaire was prepared for school leaders and
teachers. Interview was also used to validate the data gathered through questionnaires. Data
collected from respondents were analyzed and interpreted using Percentage, independent sample
t-test, and weighted mean. The result that showed the dominant leadership style currently in
practice by secondary school principals of in Wolaita Zone was transactional leadership.
Laissez-faire leadership style was emerged as the least preferred leadership style in the area
under study was initiate to influence teachers‟ job satisfaction and performance. The area of
dissatisfaction in relation to laissez-faire leadership style was related to poor communication
about school decisions .The findings also indicated that poor monthly salaries, unsupportive
administrators and lack of collegial relationship with co-workers associated with teachers‟ job
dissatisfaction. Finally, recommendations were made in the areas of design of active monitoring
and evaluation, adoption of a mix of transformational and transactional leadership styles and
establishment of a reward scheme to enhance teachers‟ job satisfaction in government secondary
schools of Wolaita Zone and to alleviate the problems continuous trainings and awareness
creating mechanisms were required to acquaint principals and school leaders on the area of
transformational and transactional leaderships.
