Leadership Practice in Managing Diversity In Gurage Zone Secondary School.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the principals’ leadership practice in managing diversity in secondary schools of Gurage Zone. Descriptive survey design was used with both quantitative and qualitative methods. Among the 37 government secondary schools found in the Zone, 12 (32.4%) was taken as a sample by using purposive sampling technique. because some schools in the selected districts are not part of the issue. Out of 12 student council, 8(75%)was taken as a sample. Additionally, 4(100%) of secondary school internal supervisors, 4(100%) of WEO experts, 12 school principals (100%), were selected by purposive sampling techniques, because they are responsible body in school management. Farther more, 74(33.03%) of teachers were also selected by using purposive sampling method. Of 74 teachers, 16from Mareko, 21from Masken, 8from Kontoma, 14from Sodo, 3from Dobi 5fromSilite 4from oromo and 3 from other ethnic group. To get relevant information for the study, questioners (closed and open-ended), interview, FGD and observation of data gathering instruments were applied. Seventy four questioner papers each contain 28 question items were distributed to 74 teachers. While twelve questioner papers each contain 28 items were distributed to twelve school leaders. Questioners which distributed to both leaders and teachers were similar. Interview and FGD points also have similar which mention about diversity management. 96.1% questioners which had distributed to both leaders and teachers were returned. All quantitative data gathered by questioners had processed in SPSS computer software. Then, the information was presented in tables and analyzed and interpreted to get the finial finding. Interview, FGD and observation responses were analyzed qualitatively. After detail explanation was provided under each data, the researcher used qualitative data to cross-check the finding of quantitative data. Statistical tools like frequency, percentage and mean were used to analyses and conclude the finding. AS the finding indicated, most principals tried to orient and educate their school community about the importance of diversity for school effectiveness. But it is not continuously practiced. Farther more, some of them tried to applied inclusive decision making approach by participating teachers and students who have different type of diversified background. In general, the finding showed that the school leaders’ practice is not based on the knowledge and skill of diversified staff context. Besides this, the principals’ program preparation to follow up and support different diversified activities in school is in question. School leaders should be knowledgeable and skill full and also needed to be flexible to create conductive environment for positive communication with diverse staff. There for, the researcher recommended that school leaders should prepare guide line/police for effective guidance in diversity management, they also should be continuously practiced inclusive decision making approach, REB better to promote the qualification of secondary school leaders in line with the need of the police. Farther more it is advisable that WEO collaboration with Zonal education department need to give sustainable training about diversity management to fulfill the skill gap of school leaders