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Principals’ Transformational Leadership Practice and Teachers Job Satisfaction in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Rivers State, Nigeria

Jeremiah Tamunokuro Owubokiri, PhD, Epelle Gloria, PhD, Dei Godspower Epiterekumo, PhD

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship between principals’ transformational leadership practice and teachers’ job satisfaction in public senior secondary schools in Rivers State. Guided by four research questions and corresponding null hypotheses. The study employed a correlational research design. A sample of 2225 teachers and principals was drawn from a population of 7418 using stratified random sampling in public senior secondary schools in Rivers State. Data were collected using two researcher-developed instruments: Principals Transformational Leadership Questionnaire and Teacher Job Satisfaction Questionnaire . Validity was ensured through expert review, and reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.78 and 0.79 respectively. The instruments were administered to the selected respondents. Data were analysed using Mean, Standard Deviation, and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Findings indicated that, principals’ transformational practice of setting direction, developing people, redesigning the organization and improving the instructional program enhance teachers’ job satisfaction. All four null hypotheses were rejected, showing statistically significant relationships between the variables. The study concluded that, principals’ effective implementation of Leithwood’s transformational leadership dimensions fosters a positive school climate that enhances teacher job satisfaction. Based on the findings, it was recommended that, stakeholders support the training of principals in transformational practices. Leadership programs that focus on vision setting, staff development, and instructional improvement are essential for achieving long-term educational goals and sustainable school improvement.

Keywords

PrincipalTransformational Leadershipand Teacher Job Satisfaction.

References

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