Leadership styles and instructors' performance in Vocational Training Institutions: A Case of Kampala Capital City Authority and Wakiso District in Uganda

Abstract

The study on leadership styles and instructors' performance in vocational training institutions was carried out in Kampala Capital City Authority and Wakiso district. The purpose of the study was to establish how leadership styles influence instructors' performance in vocational training institutions in Kampala Capital City Authority and Wakiso district. The study was guided by the following specific objectives namely: (i) to establish the leadership styles adopted by Principals in vocational training institutions; (ii) to find out the level of instructors' performance in vocational training institutions; (iii) to establish the relationship between the leadership styles and performance of instructors in vocational training institutions and, (iv) to recommend appropriate leadership style(s) for vocational training institutions. The researcher used different methods of data collection to obtain relevant information from the respondents. These included interviews, questionnaires, focused group discussions and documentary review. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, analysis and presentation were used. It was observed that out of the total respondents, 56 (4 7%) agreed that the Principals used democratic leadership style but on the contrary, 63 (53%) of the respondents disagreed. The finding by the majority indicated 85 (70. 7%) of the respondents agreed that the Principals exercise autocratic leadership style while 35 (29.3%) disagreed indicating that the Principals did not exhibit autocratic leadership style. In addition, 54 (45.6%) of the respondents agreed that Principals exercise laissez-faire leadership style and 65 (54.4%) disagreed. From the study's findings, the autocratic leadership style of the Principals had a negative impact on instructors' performance in vocational training institutions. The study revealed that there was no single leadership style adopted by Principals in the management of vocational training institutions.