An Assessment of the Contribution of Leadership Styles on Crisis Management in Selected Secondary Schools in Nakifuma Town Council

Abstract

The study aimed at assessment of the leadership styles and crisis management among selected secondary schools in Nakifuma Town Council. The study objectives included; to establish the leadership styles used in crisis management in selected secondary schools in Nakifuma Town Council, to assess the effect of leadership styles on crisis management in selected secondary schools in Nakifuma Town Council, and to examine the challenges that head teachers encounter when it comes to crisis management. The study employed a cross-sectional research design, where both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. The sample comprised of four (4) head teachers, four (4) Deputy head teachers, one (1) District Education Officer, two (2) District Inspectors of School, and seventy five (75) teachers. These were purposively and simple randomly selected. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. Data was analyzed quantitatively through the SPSS and thematic content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Study findings revealed that school managers base on charismatic leadership, autocratic leadership, transformative leadership, transformational leadership, transactional leadership and entrepreneurial leadership for proper crisis management. These are the major leadership styles used in crisis management in selected secondary schools in Nakifuma Town Council. It also revealed that autocratic leadership gives full empowerment to the school leader with minimal follower’s participation; the head teacher rarely considers suggestions made by subordinates; there is usually strong orientation towards conformity of rules and regulations; the head teacher usually takes full control and authority in managing crisis; and the head teacher regularly tells us what to do, how to do it and when he/she wants it done; these are the major effect of leadership styles on crisis management in selected secondary schools in Nakifuma Town Council. It further revealed that limited financial resources, geographical location of the school, government policy like school closure under presidential directives; limited knowledge related to the field itself, and organizational structures; these are the major challenges that head teachers encounter when it comes to crisis management. Basing on the above findings, it is concluded that there is positive significant relationship between leadership styles and crisis management in selected secondary schools in Nakifuma Town Council. (r= .686**, p=0.001). This implies that any change in the management of crisis is influenced by leadership style applied. The study recommended that each school must have the trained leaders with relevant skills and understanding to handle crises; and areas of further research were suggested.