Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges and opportunities in practicing
transformational leadership in selected secondary schools of East Haraghe Zone. A sample of
158 teachers, 40 students representatives,8 principals, 8 supervisors, and 8 Educational experts
respondents were drawn through stratified sampling method with the combination of simple
random sampling and available sampling technique. Self administrative questionnaires,
interview and document analysis were used to gather the data. Data obtained through
questionnaire were analyzed with descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and frequency)
and inferential statistics (t-test). Moreover, the data gathered from interview and different
written document found in the schools and woreda education offices of the study area. The
studies were that practices of transformational leadership by school principals were challenged.
The calculated result obtained using inferential statistics showed that there were no significant
statistical difference between the view of principals and teachers respondents on different issues
raised under the practice of transformational leadership .However, in the schools under the
study, the school principals communicate that the set visions to the school community were
poor. Empowering followers, building trust among stakeholders and creating a healthy
environment were insufficient. In addition, there were challenges and in adequacy of trainings,
designing effective communication, and inefficient of school principals and lack of experience
and qualification in the professions. Finally, based on the findings and conclusions,
recommendations were made on capacity building and leadership of principals to do their work
effectively. In turn, to encourage participatory approach. Furthermore, Woreda, Zone,and
Oromia Education Bureau should be responsible to give directives and guidelines in the case
that, whenever shortcomings and gaps are observed, the school principals should establish
strong communication system within and outside the school to mobilize the community
