The influence of leadership styles on teachers’ performance: a case of public primary schools in Iramba district

Primary schools as other educational institutions are facing a number of problems, which limit the provision of quality education. The purpose of this study was to investigate how leadership styles influence teachers’ performance in primary schools. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The sample for the study involved 30 teachers, 60 student and 3 head teachers. The study was conducted in Iramba district Singida region. Different data collection methods were applied such as interview guide, questionnaire, observation and documentary review. The findings revealed that there was a very close relationship between head teachers and teachers, a factor, which impedes head teachers to exercise command over their teachers. Head teachers failed to be role models as it was supposed to be, which made teachers have low reaching morale. The data further showed that head teachers used all three types of leadership styles namely; democratic, autocratic and laissez faire, but to a varying extent. Results from the study revealed that most teachers and students were going to school late. The preparation of lesson plans, lesson notes and schemes of work, in most schools, was not done and but a few were inconsistent. Therefore, it was recommended that there is a need for head teachers to supervise and evaluate teachers’ activities routinely/ in addition, before teachers are appointed to be head teachers, they should first attend a leadership course.