The leadership styles of head teachers and their influence on academic performance, a case study of selected private basic schools in the Asawase sub-metro in Ashanti region

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the leadership styles of head teachers and their influence on academic performance of some selected private schools in the AsawaseSub Metro in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Data were collected through questionnaires. A total of 200 basic school teachers, head teachers and pupils were used for the study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics.The focus of the research was to assess the impact of the various leadership styles by head teachers in their quest to ensure that their schools attain the needed academic results.The results of the study revealed that with respect to the leadership style practiced by head teachers, when head teachers blend the leadership styles, it produces a positive effect on academic performance but when they are practiced in isolation the effect of the leadership style is nullified by situational factors and group characteristics. Therefore for head teachers to see the influence of their leadership they must practice the various leadership styles on the whole but not in isolation. Teachers’ input and students’ efforts were also the only situational variables that were seen to have a significant moderating effect on achievement of high academic performance hence, if these group characteristics are monitored they will produce the best of academic performances for schools.