The influence of female head teachers’ leadership behaviour on teacher efficacy in basic schools in Sefwi Bekwai Circuit of the Bibiani Anwiaso Bekwai District

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of female head teachers’ leadership behaviour on teacher efficacy in public basic schools in the Bekwai Circuit of the Bibiani Anwiaso Bekwai District. The objectives of the study were to determine the leadership behaviour of female head teachers in public basic schools, find out the level of teacher efficacy in public basic schools and to establish the effect of female head teachers leadership behaviour on teachers self-efficacy. The study employed a descriptive research design and used questionnaire as the research instrument. The target population for the study was 83 female head teachers and teachers. The accessible population was 83, consisting of 7 female head teachers and 76 teachers. Purposive sampling was used to select all the 7 female head teachers and 76 teachers in the 4 Junior High Schools and 3 primary schools for the study. The reliability test yielded cronbach alpha of 0.85. The data was analysed descriptively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. The study found among others that the female head teachers involved teachers in the preparation of the School Performance Improvement Plan (SPIP) and delegated responsibilities to other teachers when necessary. The teachers were able to control disruptive behavior in the classroom and made their teaching interesting and effective. The female head teachers leadership behavior created supportive environment that enabled teachers to maximize their potential to be able to teach to the understanding of students. It is recommended based on the findings that the Ghana Education Service (GES) should organize regular seminars, forums and workshops on effective leadership styles for all heads of educational institutions in the district to further improve heads leadership behaviour.