Title: Comparative Analysis of Principal Leadership Styles, School Culture and Teachers' Job Performance in Bayelsa and Delta States
Authors: Dr. B. Agboi
Volume: 10
Issue: 7
Pages: 37-46
Publication Date: 2026/07/28
Abstract:
This study conducted a comparative analysis of principal leadership styles, school culture, and teachers' job performance in Bayelsa and Delta States (BDS), Nigeria. A correlational survey design was used to collect data from 546 teachers across both states through a structured questionnaire. The research examined three leadership styles-authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire-and assessed their effect on teachers' job performance. The study also investigated the prevailing school cultures in both states and their influence on teacher performance. The results showed that democratic leadership was the most dominant and influential, positively correlating with teacher performance in both states. School culture was similarly found to be strongly associated with job performance, with factors like mutual trust, collaboration, and leadership support significantly boosting performance. In Bayelsa, democratic leadership explained 79% of the variation in job performance, while in Delta, both democratic and authoritarian leadership styles together accounted for 86% of the variation. Despite generally favourable school cultures, the study identified areas for improvement, particularly in valuing teacher contributions and fostering innovation. Based on these findings, the study recommended strengthening democratic leadership practices, cultivating a positive school culture, and encouraging teacher innovation to enhance educational outcomes in the region.