The Relationship between School Culture and Principals’ Leadership Style in Secondary Schools of Bishoftu Town

ABSTRACT : This study examined the relationship between school culture and principals’ leadership styles in secondary schools under the Bishoftu Town Administration. To achieve this objective, a mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative data. A total of 158 participants including school heads, teachers, and supervisors were selected through stratified random and purposive sampling techniques, using probability proportion to size. Primary data were obtained through survey questionnaires and key informant interviews, while secondary sources included government reports, books, and educational journals. For analysis, descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (t-test and correlation) were applied using SPSS Version 27. The findings revealed that most secondary schools lacked a strong work culture and committed leadership, which hindered the overall performance of the school system. Weak enforcement of norms, values, and rules by school leaders emerged as a major factor contributing to poor school culture, thereby limiting the achievement of institutional goals. Furthermore, the study found that laissez-faire leadership was the most commonly practiced style, followed by democratic and autocratic approaches. Although inadequately applied, democratic leadership demonstrated a strong association with school culture, suggesting that improvements in school culture could positively reinforce democratic leadership practices. In light of these findings, the study concluded that without a well-established school culture supported by appropriate leadership particularly democratic leadership school performance will continue to decline, eroding community trust in the capacity of school leaders to drive meaningful change. Accordingly, the study recommended that the Bishoftu Education Office, in collaboration with training institutes, should provide professional development for principals on leadership styles and organizational culture. Moreover, school leaders should be encouraged to adopt democratic or participative leadership strategies, supported by annual forums and experience-sharing programs.

Keywords: School culture, leadership style, democratic leadership, Bishoftu Town