This study assesses the influence of the integrity of school leaders on the academic performance of students in secondary schools. A explanatory cross-sectional survey design with a concurrent mixed approach, using quantitative and qualitative data, was employed.
A total of 202 teachers provided evidence on their head of school's integrity in influencing students’ academic performance. The study used questionnaires, in-depth interview and focus group discussion to collect the data. Afterwards the collected data was analysed using SPSS version 23 for quantitative data, and thematic analysis for qualitative data. A significant relationship between the integrity and students’ academic performance was revealed. The study concluded that the integrity attribute significantly influenced the students’ academic performance.
Therefore, the study recommends the government to allocate enough funds for professional development for future aspirants. Secondly, it recommends to review educational policy on the training and development of teachers before and after their appointment into a leadership position.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
1. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1.1 Main objective
1.2 Specific objectives
2. METHODOLOGY
3. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
4. CONCLUSION
5. TABLES AND FIGURES
6. DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Research Objectives and Key Topics
The primary objective of this study is to assess the influence of the integrity attribute of heads of schools on student academic performance within secondary schools in the Mbulu District of Tanzania, aiming to understand how leadership ethics contribute to institutional outcomes.
- Integrity attributes of school leaders (accountability, honesty, efficiency).
- Impact of head of school leadership on secondary school academic performance.
- Mixed-method research approach (quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews).
- Correlation between ethical leadership practices and stakeholder cooperation.
- Recommendations for educational policy and professional development for school headship.
Excerpt from the Book
INTRODUCTION
The concept of integrity in education context is of paramount importance for educational institutions like schools prosperity. Integrity attribute can be regarded as principal and muscles of any organization intended to improve performance and sustainability of the institution through running effectively and efficiently. Duggar, (2015), states that integrity comprises of characteristics of an individual that are consistent, considerate, compassionate, transparent, honest and ethical status. Integrity is related with keeping promises and keeping thrust, respect and responsibility (Turknett, 2007). Therefore, the current study seeks to explore ways to improve student academic performance through integrity.
The study used mixed method quantitative and qualitative approaches with mixed concurrent explanatory cross -sectional survey questionnaires, to explore efficiency of the integrity of Head of schools on the student academic performance in Mbulu District. There six attributes of integrity, accountability towards individual and society, clean, efficient, and trustworthy and access of information. According to Najib, (2009), these attributes can create harmony, transparency services in workplace and will help contribute to the development of the secondary schools and improvement in leadership and administration, which in turn leads to good academic performance of students. In the present context where the government emphasizes the human model of the country in terms of intellectual knowledge, expertise and skills, integrity also plays a important role of component in improving the robustness of the educational performance model. Integrity is a contributor to the recognition of lives enriched by work and relationship in secondary schools.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the concept of integrity as a vital component for effective school leadership and outlines the study's aim to explore its impact on student academic performance.
1. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: This chapter defines the main research goal and breaks it down into three specific objectives concerning accountability, honesty, and efficiency.
2. METHODOLOGY: This section details the mixed-method research design, including the use of surveys and interviews with 237 teachers to gather data on school leadership.
3. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION: This chapter presents and analyzes the collected data, showing a significant relationship between integrity attributes in heads of schools and student academic results.
4. CONCLUSION: The concluding chapter summarizes the main findings and recommends improvements in professional development and educational policy for school leaders.
5. TABLES AND FIGURES: This chapter provides detailed statistical data regarding the frequency distribution of integrity indicators and their mean values among respondents.
6. DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST: This section clarifies that the study is purely for research purposes and does not target individual persons, maintaining ethical standards.
7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The author expresses gratitude to supervisors, colleagues, and regional officials for their support during the research process.
Keywords
Integrity, Leadership, Academic Performance, Accountability, Honesty, Efficiency, Secondary Schools, Mbulu District, Educational Management, Mixed Methods, School Leadership, Professional Development, Trust, Teachers, Organizational Performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research study?
The study fundamentally investigates how the integrity of school principals influences the academic performance of students in secondary schools located in the Mbulu District of Tanzania.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
The key themes include the attributes of leadership integrity—specifically accountability, honesty, and efficiency—and their direct impact on school administration and academic results.
What is the central research objective?
The main objective is to assess the relationship between the integrity attributes of heads of schools and the resulting academic performance of their students in selected secondary schools.
Which research methodology was utilized?
The study employed a concurrent mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from 202 teachers via questionnaires and qualitative insights from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body explores the theoretical foundations of integrity, presents the methodological approach, provides extensive data analysis on 30 integrity indicators, and discusses the findings regarding leadership behavior.
Which keywords define this research?
The most defining keywords include Integrity, Leadership, Academic Performance, Accountability, Honesty, and Secondary School management.
How is integrity defined in the context of this study?
Integrity is defined as a foundation of consistent, honest, and ethical behavior that includes traits such as accountability, trustworthiness, transparency, and a commitment to doing the right thing.
What does the study conclude regarding the role of inexperienced leaders?
The study suggests that some inexperienced heads of schools struggle with leadership tasks, which can negatively impact school management and consequently, student academic performance.
What are the practical recommendations for the government?
The study recommends that the government increase funding for professional development for aspiring and current heads of schools and review educational policies regarding the training and development of teachers appointed to headship roles.
- Quote paper
- Chelestino Mofuga (Author), 2020, Integrity in Schools in Tanzania. Influence of the Integrity of the Principal on Academic Performance of Students in Secondary Schools, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/924980
