COMMUNICATION PRACTICE AND ITS CONTRIBUTIONS FOR EFFECTIVENESS OF LEADERSHIP IN SECONDARY SCHOOL OF GUJI ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATEE, ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to explore communication and its contributions to effectiveness of school leadership in secondary schools of Guji zone, Oromia Regional state, Ethiopia. To accomplish this purpose, the study employed a descriptive design. The study was carried in eight(8) general secondary schools of Guji zone. A total of 137 individuals have participated in the study. Among them 82 teachers (31%) were included as a sample through systematic sampling technique. Additionally, 39 leaders from seven woreda including 7 focal persons from woreda Education office, 8 PTA chair persons and 8 Student councils of the general secondary school by available sampling technique. Questionnaire, Interview and Document analysis were the main instruments of data collection. The instrument for the study was a five-point likert type questionnaire. Communications’ practice and its contributions were identified as the variable of the study. The analysis of the quantitative data was carried out by using frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and chisquare were used to analyses quantitative data gained through the questionnaires. The qualitative data gathered thorough interview and document analysis were by narration. The finding indicates that teachers lack awareness and orientation on significance of Communication practice implementing various communication options in the sample schools was not as such effective in their application. Among the major problems that affect communication practice, the incapability of motivating students, teachers and parents, weak encouragement of school staff, absence of regular meeting in the school, absence of infra stricture such as internets, less follow up by senior managers lack of relevant training programs. Finally, to minimize the problems of school-based communication practice in secondary schools, it is recommended to give relevant in-service trainings for leaders and teachers to upgrade their leadership activities, necessary resources such as internet and an adequate budget for the success of leadership at the school level was suggested.