Teachers` perceptions of principals` leadership styles and students` academic achievement of selected secondary schools in the Gombak District

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between teachers' perceptions of principals' leadership style and students' academic achievement in selected secondary schools in the Gombak district in Selangor. The second purpose was to determine relationships between the leadership styles and the rate of change of students' academic achievement. Research findings indicate that the principals' were perceived by the teachers as having a high initiating structure leadership style (style 3). From the statistical analysis conducted, there seemed to be a significant correlation between the principals' leadership style and students' academic achievement. It is recommended that the present and future principals be exposed to the importance of implementing suitable leadership style in their respective · schools. Furthermore, the standard of the teaching profession in Malaysia should be upgraded to make the profession more attractive.