Influence of Leadership Induction Training on the Performance of Newly Appointed Heads of Public Secondary Schools in Arusha City Council

Fidelis Michael
Head Master, Mirisho Gambo Secondary School,
P.O. Box 311- Arusha, Tanzania
Email: fthianjar@gmail.com

Dr. Raphael Paul Kitula
Lecturer; St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Arusha.
P.O. Box 12385 – Arusha, Tanzania.
Email: kitula07@gmail.com

Abstract: This study assessed the influence of leadership induction programme on the performance of newly appointed heads of public secondary schools in Arusha city council. The study identified leadership challenges faced by newly appointed heads of public secondary schools and assessed the influence of leadership induction programmes on performance of newly appointed heads of public secondary schools in Arusha City Council. It was grounded on contingency theory of socializationby Feldman. Contingency theory needs heads of schools to be familiar with environments for better performance of their duties. This study used mixed research approach. The study sampled 7 newly appointed heads of secondary schools, 70 teachers and one city secondary education officer, making a total number of 78 respondents. Purposive and stratified sampling techniques were employed to obtain the sample. Questionnaires and structured interview schedules were used for data collection. These instruments were validated using experts in the fields of education and research. Reliability was calculated using Cronbach alpha whereas the value of 0.87 was obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results were presented in tables of frequencies and percentages while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data and direct quotations supported the presentation. The findings show that most of the appointed heads had not received any formal induction. Therefore, their performance was affected by a number of challenges, including lack of essential skills for effective management of the schools. The study recommended that every newly appointed head of school is inducted to enhance their management skills.