LEADERSHIP STYLES AND STUDENTS’ UNRESTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SHEEMA DISTRICT, UGANDA

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of leadership styles on students’ unrests in Secondary Schools in Sheema District. Specifically, the study sought to investigate the influence of laissez-faire leadership style on students’ unrests; to establish the influence of autocratic leadership style on students’ unrests; and to find out the influence of democratic leadership style on students’ unrests. The study was anchored on McGregor’s theory X and Y. The study was conducted in Sheema District in the four Schools namely; Nganwa H/S, Peas H/S Kigarama, St. Johns S.S.S Nyabwina & Masheruka Girls S.S.S. The study adopted a cross-sectional design on a sample of 237 respondents. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and interviewing and analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics used were frequencies, percentages and mean. Inferential analyses used were Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. Qualitative data was analysed through content analysis. The study findings revealed that laissez faire leadership style had a positive and significant influence on students’ unrests; autocratic leadership style had a positive and significant influence on students’ unrests; and democratic leadership style had a positive and significant influence on students’ unrests. Thus, it was concluded that laissez-faire leadership style contributed to students’ unrests, autocratic leadership style was the most prominent factor that influenced students’ unrests; and democratic leadership style was the least factor that contributed to students’ unrests. Therefore, it is recommended that Head teachers should be very active and visible in the Schools reducing on the level of laissez faire leadership style, autocratic leadership style should be minimally used by only applying force when the School security is at risk; and democratic leadership style should be highly practiced by involving key stakeholders in making decisions.