PRINCIPALS’ TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN ANTSIRABE I, MADAGASCAR

Abstract

This study was done in the secondary schools in Antsirabe1 District, Madagascar. The aim of the current study was to examine the use and effects of principal’s transformational leadership style on students’ academic performance. The study was guided by four questions: How does the principal’s idealized influence affect the academic performance of students in the secondary schools in Antsirabe I? To what extent does inspirational motivation of the principal affect the academic performance of the students in the secondary schools in Antsirabe I? How does the principal’s intellectual stimulation affect the academic performance of students in secondary schools in Antsirabe I? To what extent does individualized consideration of the principal affect the academic performance of students in secondary schools in Antsirabe I? The study used mixed method paradigm. The researcher employed purposive sampling, systematic random sampling, simple random sampling, and stratified random sampling techniques to obtain the sample for the study. Data collection instruments used were questionnaires and interview guides. The (SPSS version 23) was used to generate the descriptive statistics. The open-ended answers were presented in line with the responses of the questionnaires. The findings revealed that, under idealized influence, principals were role models, punctual, and respectful towards teachers and students. Under inspirational motivation, the principals communicated the school goals and vision, and encouraged students to work hard, and they showed a good relationship with teachers and students. Under intellectual stimulation, the principals practiced creativity, collaboration, giving rewards, and they were involved in teaching before becoming teachers. Under individualized consideration, the principals treated everyone equally. However, the principals were not always available as much as the school fraternity would expect them to be. Other concerns included not providing requisite instruments such as quality laboratory equipment and library books, not involving students in decision-making, not visiting classrooms to establish the challenges that the teachers might be facing. To effectively improve the transformational leadership role in the school performance, the study recommends that all stakeholders and the government participate to provide school facilities. The study also recommends that students should be involved in decisions that concern them.