Effect of leadership style on teachers’ job satisfaction a case of primary schools in Nakuru Town, Kenya

Abstract

Studies have found that effective leadership and employee job satisfaction are two factors that have been regarded as fundamental for organizational success. Therefore, an organisation without effective leadership is not able to transform input resources into competitive advantage. Education is an important instrument in ensuring achievement of national development. Success in achievement of educational goals in schools is dependent on effective leadership. The purpose of this study therefore was to analyze the effects of leadership styles on teachers’ job satisfaction in primary schools in Nakuru town. The specific objectives are to determine the effect of leadership styles (autocratic, participative and transformational) on teachers’ job satisfaction. The population of the study consisted of all the teachers in the 96 registered primary schools in Nakuru town, the sample size consisted of 28 primary schools with a total sample size of 348 teachers. Data was collected by use of structured questionnaires administered to the teachers. The data collected was analyzed using statistical packages of social sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were analyzed in the form of frequencies, means, standard deviation and Percentages which were presented in tables and charts. Inferential statistics were used in hypotheses testing namely, Independent samples t-tests, Pearsons Correlations analysis, simple and multiple regression analysis. The study found that different styles of leadership had significant correlation to teachers‘ job satisfaction. The results showed that teacher job satisfaction declined when principals used autocratic leadership style. Participative leadership was positively correlated to job satisfaction. Job satisfaction was positively correlated with the dimensions of transformational leadership style. The regression analysis showed that autocratic leadership was a negative predictor of job satisfaction while transformational leadership (Inspirational motivation and Individualized consideration) were significant positive predictors of job satisfaction. There is need therefore for regular leadership and management training by head teachers to improve job satisfaction among teacher employees. Head teachers should mainly use participatory style in achieving proper job satisfaction among teachers in primary schools in Nakuru town. The research will be useful to the ministry of education as it will help them to improve the performance of public primary schools. The research findings can also be used by other researchers and scholars who may want to do further studies on the subject. The findings can also be used by government agencies in formulating the various policies. Research findings can be used by education officers when formulating their strategic plans.