Journal of Advances in Education and Philosophy (JAEP)
Volume-3 | Issue-04 | 168-173
Review Article
Examining the Influence of Principals’ Democratic Leadership Style on Teachers’ Professional Commitment in Public Secondary Schools in Kericho Sub-County, Kenya
Kirui Juliana Chepkorir M. Ed, Dr. Yambo, J. M. O.
Published : April 30, 2019
Abstract
This study sought to establish the influence of principal‟s leadership styles on teachers‟ professional commitment in
Kericho Sub-county, Kenya. Specifically the study endeavored to establish the influence of Principals‟ Democratic
Leadership style on Teachers‟ Professional Commitment in public secondary schools in Kericho Sub-county. This
research was informed by the situational leadership theory and descriptive research design was adopted to guide the
study. The sub-county has 31 public secondary schools. In the 31 schools there are a total of 31 principals, 155 Heads of
Departments and 400 Teachers. All the 31 principals were selected to participate in the study because the sub county has
recorded a decline in KCSE performance in the last two years. Five (5) HODS‟ in charge of academics from each school
were purposively selected because of their special complementary roles in the leadership and management of schools.
Simple random sampling was used to select five subject teachers in each school, one from each academic department to
participate in the study; also 3 sub county quality assurance and standards officers‟ were selected. Therefore a total of
344 respondents comprising of 31 principals, 155 HOD‟s, 155 subject teachers and 3 SCQASOs constituted the total
sample size. Data was collected using questionnaires which were administered to principals, HODs and subject teachers
while interview schedules were used to guide discussions with the SCQASOs. Validity of the instrument was determined
by the supervisors, lecturers in the department of Education Kisii University. For reliability, a test re-test of the findings
was calculated and a Pearson‟s correlation coefficient of 0.856 was obtained. Data was analyzed using descriptive
statistics with aid of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program while the results from interviews
were analyzed qualitatively and thematically. Results revealed that democratic leadership style was the dominant style
employed by principals in Kericho Sub-County together with the democratic practices employed point to a leadership
that recognizes ideals of democracy in management. Other practices, principals delegate tasks and assignments to staff
members (M=1.94, SD = 0.923); Principals ensure that members of staff feel involved and relevant in decision making
process (M = 2.10, SD = 1.075); The study recommended that there is need to consider blending the leadership styles
since each has some contribution to make indirectly to learner performance. The researcher paid keen attention to
research ethical issues and got the informed consent of the respondents and guarded against plagiarism and ensured
confidentiality.