The effects of women leadership styles on the performance of K.C.P.E examination in public primary schools in Limuru division, Kiambu district, kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out the effects of Women Leadership styles on the performance of KCPE in public primary schools in Limuru Division of Kiambu District. Limuru division is always ranked among the last divisions in the district after Kikuyu, Githunguri and Tigoni. Most of the schools in this division, are headed by women, hence the researcher was interested in finding out whether their leadership styles would be having any effects on the performance of KCPE examinations. The researcher developed research questions to gather information in order to achieve the objectives of the study. Related literature was reviewed on leadership in schools and theories of leadership, particularly the path goal leadership theory, women teachers and school management "and how school heads manage change. A conceptual framework was then provided. The researcher used the descriptive survey method to gather data using a questionnaire. Questionnaires were administered to seven schools for both headteachers and teachers. The return rate was 100% for both groups of respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and then presented in frequency and percentages tables. The study findings included that the head teachers in the division were using democratic leadership style and that the pupils in the division performed above average. The study also found that there was gender balance in the performance in K.C.P.E with highest performance being experienced in languages. One-study found that the schools headed by female head teachers were well organized in all aspects of administration and therefore the following conclusions were made. The study concluded that the schools performed well because the female head teachers used democratic leadership style. This influenced performance in individual subjects and particularly in languages. The study also concluded that well organized curriculum activities in the schools headed by female head teachers enhanced performance in the national examination. The study recommended that: • The ministry of education needs to encourage the use of democratic leadership styles in the management of schools to enhance performance. This should be done in schools headed by both male and female head teachers. • That the TSC should consider appointing more female head teachers, which enhance high performance. • The study also recommend that both male and female head teachers should be encouraged to enroll in in-service courses in order to enhance their leadership abilities so as to enhance performance in schools. The study also suggested areas for further study.