The Contribution of Individual Leadership Attributes towards Academic Performance, Arusha City Public Primary Schools, Tanzania: A Conceptual Analysis
Noah Emanuel *
Faculty of Education, Open University of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Hyasinta Kessy
Faculty of Education, Open University of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Newton Kyando
Faculty of Education, Open University of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Leadership attributes are a fundamental aspect of organizational success. It is argued here that children’s academic performance is linked to the individual leadership characteristics of school principals. School principals promote and enhance positive attitudes toward school, increasing student engagement, and ultimately improving academic performance. This paper sought to examine the contribution of individual leadership attributes to children’s academic performance. Eleven individual leadership attributes: dependability, straight forwardness, fair-mindedness, inspirational, forward thinking, competence, honesty, creativity, supportiveness, intelligence and broad mindedness, are considered. This study adopted the Trait and Skills theories of leadership attributed to Thomas Carlyle and Mumford et al. A mixed methods research approach was employed.
Keywords: Contribution, leadership, leadership attributes, children’s academic performance, public primary schools