An investigation into the influence of school heads leadership styles on learner attainment in Chitungwiza District in Zengeza Area, Harare

Abstract

Good leadership of the school plays an important role in raising the students’ achievement in Chitungwiza District. This study investigated the leadership styles in relation to the students’ attainment in primary schools in Zengeza Area. The study sought to identify major leadership styles employed in running primary schools, to establish perceptions of teachers on leadership styles being applied by the school heads and to explore the relationship between leadership styles and their influence in students’ attainment. Quantitative research methods were used. A total of 70 respondents comprising of 6 heads of schools,6 deputy heads and 24 teachers participated in the research. To carry out the research descriptive survey design was used. Sampling methods namely the purposive and quota sampling were used in selecting the participants. Questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection. Collected data was presented in tables, discussed and linked to related literature. All respondents were interviewed using interview guides and questionnaires respectively. In this study both quantitative data analysis techniques were used. The findings revealed that democratic leadership styles mostly influence students’ attainment.