Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between leadership styles of
principals and school performance of secondary schools of Agnwa Zone at Gambella National
Region, Ethiopia. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study included
eight secondary schools in Agnwa zone. 184 teachers, 8 principals, 8 vice principals, 38 PTA
members and 24 student representatives were also included in the study by using available
methods. The study adopted simple research design that is correlation survey research design
that enables the researcher to easily establish the relationship between school performance and
leadership styles in Agnwa zone. Accordingly, data was collected on the independent variable,
which was leadership styles, and that of the dependent variable, which was school performance.
The relationship between the two variables was identified in order to determine the strength of
their relationship and the coefficients of determination existing between them have been
identified. In order to get a relevant data for the study the researcher use both primary and
secondary data. Primary data was gathered using questionnaire, Interviews and were also held
with principals focused group discussion. Secondary data was gathered from Students ESLCE
result document. The findings of the study revealed that Democratic leadership styles had a
positive influence on students’ academic achievement and school performance, while autocratic
and laissez-faire leadership styles however had a negative influence on students’ academic
achievement and/or school performance. The study revealed that unless principals are well
equipped with the knowledge and skills in management and leadership, they would not be able to
improve school performance significantly. The studies also get a better solution to increase
school performance and reveal that democratic leadership style will increase school
performance. The study based on the findings give recommendations for better stand to: the
REB, WEO, ZED in collaboration with MoE, are advised to organize seminars and workshops
for school principals on how to use the democratic leadership style effectively in their schools
based on the situation and to enhance their capacity. But it does not mean the school should
avoid Laissez-faire and autocratic leadership styles.
