Effective leadership characteristics for primary headteachers in Seychelles

Abstract

Head teachers are in a pivotal positions in the primary school. Their tasks are well documented but it is not the tasks themselves that are critical for effectiveness but rather how they perceive these tasks that are carried out. This research investigated the needs of an effective headteacher in a primary school. It was hoped, furthermore to identify the major effective leadership characteristics and the school management. It also considered the priority for improvement and suggestions on the improvement of their professional development as headteachers. In light of this analysis of the questionnaire, the study concludes that the characteristics are important for the effectiveness of the headteachers. It also indicates that there are certain areas in the school management that the heads would need significant improvement to be more effective. Finally it showed that Seychellois primary headteachers do not differ much form their counter parts in other countries where research is taking place in the area of effective school leadership.