Influence Of Head Teachers’ Job Satisfaction On Pupils’ Performance In Primary Schools In Tanzania; A Case Study Of Meatu District In Tanzania

ABSTRACT

The study examined the influence of head teachers‟ job satisfaction on pupils‟ performance in primary schools. Specifically, it sought to find out the extent to which head teachers were satisfied with their job and the impacts of their satisfaction on pupils‟ discipline and academic performance. The data were collected using both quantitative and qualitative procedures at Meatu District. The sampled participants were 103; i.e. sixty (60) pupils, ten (10) head teachers, thirty (30) classroom teachers, and three (3) district education officers. Principally, four methods of data collection were applied, i.e. interviews, questionnaire, focus group discussion and documentary review. The general findings of the study show that, head teachers were satisfied with some aspects associated with their position as head teachers, like cooperation from subordinates, rules and regulations enabling the discharge of their responsibilities and job security. But they were dissatisfied with remunerations, locations of the schools, the physical environment of their work and lack of appreciation from their immediate bosses regardless of the environment they work in. These led the researcher to conclude that head teachers were not satisfied with their work. However, pupils‟ discipline in the schools and outside the schools was found to be good that, indicating no relationship between head teachers‟ satisfaction and pupils‟ discipline. On the other hand, impacts of the heads‟ dissatisfaction were seen in the pupils‟ academic performance which was poor and the head teachers seemed to be careless of it. More to that, some head teachers were reported to engage themselves in other activities to supplement their earning during the time of work. Thus, there is a relationship between head teachers‟ satisfaction and pupils‟ performance. The researcher recommends authorities to ensure that head teachers are satisfied, especially with remunerations and appreciation of their work given the difficult environment they work in at Meatu District