| dc.description.abstract | The research aim of this study was to determine the influence that the style of leadership of the principal has on teacher morale in secondary schools in the Amajuba District. A thorough literature study was conducted on leadership, leadership styles and teacher morale. An empirical study was done by obtaining data by using questionnaires. From this data and findings a possible connection was made between the nature of the style of leadership of the principal and the level of teacher morale. Recommendations were made to principals and the education department, which could possibly lead to a more positive level of teacher morale.
In Chapter 1 the problem statement and motivation for this research is discussed and four research aims are formulated. The method by which data was collected is also indicated. The validity and reliability of the instrument used, is discussed and the relevant ethical aspects are mentioned.
Chapter 2 discusses the conceptual and theoretical nature and scope of leadership styles in schools. Different concepts about leadership and theories of leadership, as well as leadership models and leadership styles, are discussed.
The conceptual and theoretical framework of the nature and scope of teacher morale is discussed in Chapter 3. A brief discussion on which factors have a possible influence on teacher morale in schools follows. Concepts like ‘work satisfaction’ and ‘motivation’ are discussed, thereby referring to teacher morale in the context of this study.
Chapter 4 gives a layout of how the empirical study was conducted and administered. The research study, research aim, research paradigm, research design and research methodology is thoroughly discussed in this chapter. The quantitative investigative method is discussed fully, since this is the manner in which the data was obtained.
In Chapter 5 a thorough analysis of the data obtained, is made. The responses were processed statistically by using factor analysis, reliability tests and validity tests. The view of the teacher concerning the nature of the principal’s leadership style, as well as the level of the teacher morale, is thoroughly discussed by using hierarchy and descriptive analysis. Lastly, the influence of the leadership of the principal on teacher morale is determined by constructing a structural comparison model.
Chapter 6 concludes with a summary, findings and recommendations concerning the leadership style of the principal and teacher morale.
The following important findings stemmed from the research:
Findings concerning the first research aim: to determine the nature and scope of the leadership style of principals in secondary schools.
* From the data obtained in this research, it is clear that there are two areas where teachers feel that their principal could do more: they feel that they are not empowered enough and that the principal is not innovative enough in bringing about change concerning the vision of the school;
* From both the responses of the educators and principal it appears that the majority of principals do show signs of transformational (democratic) leadership.
Findings concerning the second research aim: to determine the nature and scope of teacher morale in secondary schools.
* In general teachers feel positive. They are also happy with their workload; they feel that the principal does not favour certain people and that the amount of hours which they work is acceptable. The five highest and five lowest scores of the questionnaire relate to one another and give an indication that teacher morale in these schools in general is quite high.
Findings concerning the third research aim: to determine if there is a correlation between the nature and scope of the leadership of the principal and the level of teacher morale.
* There are significant correlations between the LPI questionnaire (observer) and the PTO questionnaire. These correlations as indicated in Table 5.22, confirm that how teachers feel (teacher morale) has a significant correlation with how the principal fulfils his role as leader;
* Schools showing a high score in exemplary leadership of the principal in the LPI questionnaire, also show high scores in the level of teacher morale with the PTO questionnaire. Findings concerning the fourth research aim: to make recommendations to principals and the education department which could possibly lead to a positive level of teacher morale and improved leadership practices of principals.
* Principals should be encouraged to get regular feedback from SMT members and the staff, by means of a questionnaire like the LPI questionnaire. These questionnaires will help the principal to identify problem areas in his leadership style;
* Principals must be made aware of the importance of teacher morale and the possible influence this will have on teaching and learning in the school;
* The education department must train new principals in aspects like the five characteristics of excellent leadership practices;
* The education department can use this research to identify schools where possible problems with the leadership style of the principal and teacher morale are experienced. | en_US |
