LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS IN THE MANAGERIAL PERFORMANCE OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS IN CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF DELTA STATE

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this study was to investigate leadership effectiveness in the managerial performance of school principals in Central Senatorial District of Delta State. In order to achieve the purpose of the study, four research questions were raised and four corresponding hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study used descriptive survey design. The population comprised 216 principals in the public secondary schools in Central Senatorial District of Delta State. The questionnaire was used in obtaining data for the study. Data collected were analysed using mean, t-test and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions and hypotheses. The major findings are as follows: There is significant difference between the administrative and instructional leadership performances of school principals in Central Senatorial District of Delta State (t = 2.60, P < 0.05). There is significant difference between administrative and instructional leadership performances of male school principals. (t = 5.49, P < 0.05). There is significant difference between administrative and instructional leadership performances of female school principals. (t = 6.08, P < 0.05). There is no significant difference between administrative and instructional leadership performances of junior rank principals (t =0.94, P > 0.05). There is significant difference between administrative and instructional leadership performances of middle rank principals (t = 5.65, P < 0.05). There is significant difference between administrative and instructional leadership performances of senior rank principals (t = 5.37, P < 0.05). There is significant difference between administrative and instructional leadership performances of medium size school principals (t= 2.20, P < 0.05). There is significant difference between administrative and instructional leadership performances of big school principals t= 7.70, P < 0.05). In line with the findings of the study the following recommendations were made: principals in Central Senatorial District of Delta state should adjust their orientations to give more attention to the instructional leadership roles. They should with the assistance of experts if necessary organize workshops and seminars for their teaching staff. School principals should also consider attending short courses to update their knowledge in the area of instructional innovations. The state ministry of education should motivate and organize workshops for school principals. School principals with proven record of hard work in the area of instructional leadership should be rewarded to encourage others to do same.