A Comparative Analysis of Headteachers' Task-Oriented Leadership Behaviour and People-Oriented Leadership Behaviour at Secondary School Level

Abstract

This study engages in a nuanced comparative analysis of the leadership behaviours of headteachers, with a specific focus on Task-oriented and People-oriented leadership styles, within public secondary schools across three distinct districts in South Punjab. Guided by Blake and Mouton's Leadership Theory, the research endeavours to classify these educational leaders as predominantly people-oriented or task-oriented. The study used a descriptive and quantitative research design and a survey methodology. Data collection was facilitated through a self-developed questionnaire administered to the teachers within the targeted South Punjab public secondary schools. The results indicated a stronger inclination among headteachers towards people-oriented leadership behaviours than task-oriented behaviours. The findings have profound implications for educational leadership, highlighting a potential path for headteachers in secondary schools to reevaluate and refine their leadership styles. Such a transformation may significantly enhance teacher motivation, improving student academic performance. Beyond its immediate context, this study is a foundational platform for future research in related fields, fostering a deeper understanding of leadership behaviours in educational settings.