Institutional factors in influencing communication by principals in public secondary schools in Kitui central sub-county, Kitui county, Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate on the institutionalfactors influencingcommunication by principals in public secondary schools in Kitui Central Sub-County, Kitui County. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised of 254 respondents which comprised of 31 School principals and 223 teachers. Stratified random sampling method was used to select schools and then simple random sampling method was used to select respondents from various strata. The sample size comprised of 127 respondents which comprised of 15 principals and 112 teachers. Questionnaires and interview guide were used in data collection. The researcher sought the assistance of the University supervisors to ensure validity of research instruments. To determine reliability, the researcher used split-half test method. Research permit was obtained from the National CommissionforScience, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI). Thereafter the researchervisited theKitui Central Sub- county Education Officer to get permission before the start of the study. Data wasanalysed by use of both descriptive and inferential statistics by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program. The statistical techniques used were the mean, standard deviation and chi-square (χ2) to establish the relationship that exists between the variables under study. The significance of the chi-square was tested at alpha level 0.05 or 95%confidence level. The study established that, school environment, the organizational structure and personal individual differences and culture influence communication by principals in secondary schools. Further the study revealed that communication by principals is important in the schoolsbecause it constitutes one of the chief means throughwhich organizational members work together, and also helps to hold the school together. The study concludes that communication system in any organisation like the school is very vital to the survival and smooth running of the organization. Further the study recommended that principals should ensure that communication is effectively carried out to enhance disciplineand maintain law and order. Principals should communicate with their teachers irrespective of their gender so that the goal of education can be achieved, experienced Principals should be appointed to head secondary schools to facilitate effective communication in the school system as regard teaching and learning, The Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MoEST) should develop programmes to help in building secondary schools capacities on effective communication in the management of schools, The principals should improve communication through understanding of the background and culture of the receiver, expectation of feedback, formal training in oral and written communication.