Influence Of Headteachers’ personal characteristics on their performance of administrative tasks in Public Secondary Schools In Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find out the influence of headteachers’ personal characteristics on their performance of administrative responsibilities in public secondary schools in Migori County. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. The research design employed in the study was descriptive survey. . The sample consisted of 30 headteachers and 30 teachers. The researcher relied on self-administered questionnaires. Findings revealed that headteachers gender did not affect their administrative tasks achievement. Headteachers training status affected their administrative responsibilities achievement. It was also revealed that headteachers performed curriculum and instruction administration responsibilities often. Findings further revealed that headteachers performed students’ personnel responsibilities. The study also revealed that headteachers performed physical facilities responsibilities. The study also concluded that Headteachers performed their curriculum and instruction administration responsibilities which included checking teachers schemes work at least once a week often, checked punctuality in student/teacher class attendance, they ensured that coverage of syllabus was done in time and also often discussed students results and come up with new strategies to improve performance. The study also concluded that headteachers performed students’ personnel responsibilities which included keeping student records, evaluating the students, guiding students in spiritual and clubs matters and keeping student records. It was also concluded that headteachers performed staff personnel responsibilities which included keeping teachers records and appraised teachers, facilitating teachers’ professional development. It was also concluded that headteachers performance physical facilities tasks. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the government through KEMI should initiate training for headteachers for effective performance of their administrative responsibilities. Headteacher should also be trained in the areas of basic principles of education management, student personnel and staff personnel. Headteachers should also be trained in the area of financial administration. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should also out up strategies to have headteachers get formal pre-service training so that they can carry their duties effectively. The study suggested that a study on the relationship between headteachers training in administrative responsibilities and students’ performance should be conducted. A study on the training needs of the headteachers in relation to performance of administrative roles should be conducted and lastly a study on influence of headteachers’ personal characteristics on performance of administrative roles should be conducted.