A Study of Addis Ababa Government Primary Schools principals’gender, Leadership styles and Their Perceived Effectiveness
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Date
2007-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between principals' gender, leadership
style and their perceived effectiveness in leadership.
Therefore both male and female principals and teachers were included in the study and data
were collected from both of them regarding the leadership style and effectiveness of the
principals.
The data were collected through questionnaire, from the principals and the teachers. Accordingly
14 principals (7 males and 7 females) and 269 teachers (160 males and 109 females) were
involved in filling the questionnaire. Moreover, some structured and unstructured interview was
held with the principals. The collected data were analysed by percentage and chi-square.
The result of the study indicated that there is significant relationship between gender of the
principals and leadership style preference. As of teacher's sex- stereotypic perception towards
the leadership styles of the principals leadership effectiveness both male and female teachers
rated female principals as more effective than their male counterparts.
The study also found out that there was wide gap of perception between teachers and principals
regarding the latter 's leadership styles and effectiveness.
Another issue raised in the study was the relationship between leadership styles and leadership
effectiveness. In this regard the study exhibited lack of significant relationship between the two
variables. On the other hand the study indicated the existence of significant relationship between
principals' gender and leadership effectiveness.
Finally, consideration of gender in selecting leadership- to deploy the right person in the right
place, equal treatment of all teachers on the part of the principals- to minimize sex- stereotypic
perception, consistent meeting of teachers and principals - to minimize the gap of perception on
leadership issues between the two, and thorough understanding of the types alld sprit of
leadership on the part of the principals- to employ appropriate style under various situations so
as to be effective leader, were forwarded as recommendations based on the result of the study.
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Keywords
Government Primary Schools principals’gender, Leadership style