Democratic Leadership Style and its influence on the Creation of Conducive Teaching and Learning Environments in Colleges of Education in Zambia

Abstract

The study investigated democratic leadership style to determine its applicability and influence towards the creation of conducive teaching and learning environments in two private and two government owned colleges of education in Zambia. Democratic leadership style has demonstrated to be one of the most effective leadership styles whose efficacy in various organisations is conspicuous in good performance, job satisfaction and motivation of workers, among others. Using mixed method approach, data was generated from 372 participants randomly and purposively selected from principals, vice principals, academic and non-academic staff, Ministry of Education officials, directors and student populace. Employing explanatory sequential design, quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) tool version 23 and Pearson’s chi-squared test to assess the significant levels of variables as well as get inferences while qualitative data was analysed thematically. The findings illuminated peripheral use of this style of leadership leading to the creation of poor to moderate teaching and learning environments, not conducive for effective teaching and learning. The principal’s ineffective utilisation of tenets of democratic leadership in their administration of colleges has resulted in inept application of democratic leadership. The researcher, therefore, argues that the tenets of democratic leadership should be utilised appropriately for effective administration of the colleges.