An Explorative Study on Leadership Styles of Principals of Thimphu Thromde, Bhutan

Abstract

Modern education in Bhutan was introduced as early as 1914, it has come across numerous reforms and development since then. The Royal Government of Bhutan has always placed a top priority on its advancements and rethinking as it grows. Quality of education is one major concern and opportunity in the country in the education sector. Second being the quality of the teachers and educators. Considering the national concern and importance bestowed upon the educators and teachers’ professionalism in particular, the study to explore the leadership styles of the principals has been undertaken. The study is an explorative assessment using the mix method approach using Rensis Likert’s Leadership Styles model. A sample size of 289 respondent teachers from among 19 schools has been collected using 21 item four-point likert-type semi-structured randomly distributed questionnaires and one to one interview questions. The data were analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences version 21 to derive descriptive and inferential statistics. The most popular type of leadership styles perceived to be in practice in the study sample is consultative leadership (75.8 percent), which is followed by benevolent authoritative leadership (14.5 percent) and participative group leadership (9.7 percent). The content analysis of the interview also revealed that the principals were very supportive and engaging and in full support of their subordinates. The study therefore, hopes to create new insights for the policy makers and education sector of the country for rethinking and development as recommended in the study.