CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN PRACTICING TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL OF EAST HARARGHE ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE

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