The Influence of Principals‟ Leadership Styles on Academic Achievement of Primary School Students: The Case of Nono Woreda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of leadership styles on students’ academic performance in government primary schools in Nono District. The specific objective of the study was to identify the specific leadership styles perceived by heads of schools, challenges facing heads of schools in applying different leadership styles and the relationship between leadership styles and academic achievement leaders. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. Furthermore, descriptive survey design was used to conduct the study in 25 government primary schools. A total of 119 participants were involved in this study. Data collection was done using questionnaire, interviews and document analysis. The findings revealed that school heads from the selected government primary schools use different leadership styles to manage school resources. It was found out that democratic leadership was the most preferred style while autocratic and laissez-faire were less preferred by school heads. Moreover, democratic leadership style was found to have positive impact on students’ academic performance while the autocratic and laissez-faire had negative impact on students’ academic performance. Based on the research findings, the study recommended that, the government and all other education stakeholders should recognize a strong need to create an effective school leadership which is able to enhance students’ academic performance.