Junior high school head teachers’ perceptions about their leadership styles within ejisu-juaben municipality

Abstract

This was a survey study aimed at finding out the perceptions of head teachers on the leadership styles of Junior High School (JHS) head teachers within the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality. The researchers selected 50 head teachers, purposively through census. A set of closed-ended questionnaire was used, and this comprised 67 items for the JHS head teacher respondents. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and demographic analysis. The study found, among other things, that autocratic, situational and transactional leadership styles were perceived to be the predominant leadership styles practiced by the JHS heads. The study recommended, among other things, that head teachers should practice transformational and democratic leadership styles, and that the Ghana Education Service, policy makers and other stakeholders of education should strengthen the leadership component within the JHS system for effective realization of school objectives. In this respect, appointment of headship in the school setting, especially at the JHS, ought to be made in consideration of professional leadership training, aside other requirements.