Destiny Ebimie Anomietei
Abstract
This study sought to determine if there is any difference in the leadership styles practiced by principals of private and public schools in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. A survey research design was adopted. One research question was raised and three research hypotheses were tested at 0.05 significant level. Fifty principals and two hundred teachers were selected through the use of simple random sampling technique. Data was collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire and were analyzed with simple percentage and t – statistics. The findings revealed that the leadership style practiced by public and private secondary school principals were very similar. The study also revealed that there was significant similarity in the leadership styles of public and private school principals; significant similarity in male and female principals’ leadership behaviour as perceived by their teachers; as well as that of leadership behaviour exhibited by both public and private secondary school principals. Based on the findings of the study, some implications for counselling were highlighted. It was recommended, among others, that school principals should be democratic and flexible in the adoption of leadership styles to suit different situations and the school climate.