The Influence of Leadership Style in Enhancing Teachers’ Discretionary Work Effort in Public Secondary Schools in Isiolo County, Kenya

Abstract

The success of every organization is dependent on employees’ commitment and ability to go an extra mile in the performance of their duties. To expend discretionary work effort, employees voluntarily give beyond what is already expected, and forms passionate commitments to their institution and its goals. The study aimed to investigate the influence of leadership style on teachers’ ability to expend discretionary work effort in public secondary schools in Isiolo County, Kenya. Study population consisted of 720 teachers, 48 principals, County Director of Education (CDE) and County Director, Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC). Simple random sampling was used to select 18 principals and 216 teachers, while the two County Directors were purposively selected. Data was collected using questionnaires for both principals and teachers, while interview schedule was used for county directors. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Reliability of the data was tested using Cronbach’s Alpha, while content validity of research instruments was assured accordingly. The study was guided by Maslow Hierarchy of needs theory. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to test the research hypotheses. Findings show that transformational leadership style was commonly used and had significant influences on teachers’ ability to expend their discretion at work. Findings also indicated that there was a strong relationship between leadership styles used and organizational performance. It was therefore, recommended that principals and managers apply a blend of leadership styles that suit their school situation. It was also recommended that principals should understand school environmental factors that enhance employees’ discretionary work effort for best institutional outcome.