Impact of Educational Leadership on Institutional Performance in Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose

This study was undertaken to identify and describe the impact of leadership behaviour of educational leaders (both relation-oriented and task-oriented) along with demographics on institutional performance for the fulfilment of goals of education as envisaged in national documents.

Research Design/Methodology

Three questionnaires namely Leadership Behaviour Description Questionnaire (LBDQ), Institutional Performance Questionnaire (IPQ) and Leadership Demographics Checklist (LDC) were developed for the collection of data. The validity and reliability of the instruments was ensured through experts’ opinions and pilot testing. All educational administrators working in educational institutions—schools, colleges situated at district and provincial level formed the population for this study. The population of study was consisted of Principals of Higher Secondary Schools, Degree Colleges and Colleges of Education, District Educational Officers (DEOs), Executive District Officers (EDOs), and their subordinates [DEOs, Dy. DEOs, AEOs and Superintendents] respectively. Leadership Demographics (attributes + situational factors) Checklist was administered to 171educational leaders and 1368 their subordinate / teaching staff. For gathering quick and reliable data all three questionnaires were routed through Additional Secretary (Schools), Education Department. Using that channel more than 90 % data were collected from the field.

Major Findings

The findings of the study revealed that both Relation-Oriented and Task Oriented Behavioural dimensions of educational leaders of the study directly relate to their leadership effectiveness. This evidence also suggests that the strong relationship between these two variables is optional for high leadership effectiveness for achieving the objectives of the organization. The correlation r =.73 shows a strong positive relationship between relation oriented behaviour of educational leaders and institutional performance. Whereas, the correlation r=.74 shows that there is also a strong relationship between task oriented behaviour of educational leaders and institutional performance. Comparison of both behaviours shows that comparatively second relationship is stronger than the previous one even instead of a little difference between their values. Therefore task oriented behaviour of educational leaders has better impact on the performance of institution rather than relation oriented behaviour of educational leaders and institutional performance. Whatsoever are the factors other than educational leaders, the impact of educational leaders on institutional performance cannot be easily ignored.

Originality/Value

Given the findings in this study, a relatively straight forward profile of educational leaders on institutional performance emerges. An effective educational leader according to this study is one who has Task-Oriented Behaviour which reflects the behaviour of the leader as high on relationship i.e. high on consideration, better with professional qualification, interaction with Subordinates/teaching staff enjoyable academic freedom that acts as catalyst in the use of potential of the staff for better instructional efficiency.