Participatory decision making and teacher commitment in selected secondary schools in Makindye urban council, Kampala district

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship between Participatory Decision Making and Teacher Commitment in Secondary Schools in Makindye Urban Council, Kampala District. The study was guided by the research objectives which included; to investigate the relationship between collaborative decision making and teacher commitment, to examine the relationship between democratic decision making and teacher commitment and to find out the relationship between consensus decision making and teacher commitment in secondary schools. The study utilized a cross sectional survey design which was both descriptive and quantitative in nature. The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative approach used self-administered questionnaires which were directed to secondary school teachers and qualitative approach used interview guides were directed to head teachers, directors of studies, heads of departments and deputies. The population included the teachers, head teachers, deputies, and heads of departments and directors of studies who were conveniently and purposively selected. The study found out that democratic decision making through meetings enhanced teacher commitment in secondary schools of Makindye Urban Council. From the study, it was found out that democratic decision making had a significant relationship on teacher commitment in secondary schools of Makindye Urban Council. This was proved by Pearson Correlation results, (r = 0.0331, p = 0.001) which indicated a significance in one of the findings. While collaborative and consensus decision making showed no significant relationship on teacher commitment which was proved by Pearson Correlation results(r= 0.101, p =0.319 and r = 0.194, p = 0.053). The study concluded that there was a significant relationship between democratic decision making and teacher. Commitment though no significant relationship between collaborative, consensus and teacher commitment in Makindye Urban Council Secondary Schools. The study recommended that head teachers should truly involve teachers in decision making at all levels and times. This could be done through involving teachers in all school committees at all levels like finance, disciplinary, security, academic, procurement and welfare. It can also be done through meetings at a group or individual levels.