INFLUENCE OF PRINCIPALS‟ LEADERSHIP STYLES ON TEACHERS‟ JOB SATISFACTION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF WOLAITA ZONE

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.