EXPLORING THE DECISION-MAKING PATTERNS OF PRINCIPALS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN KWARA STATE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

<doi>10.24250/jpe/si/2025/OO/</doi>

Abstract

This paper explored the principal’s pattern of decisionmaking
in secondary schools in Kwara State, Nigeria. The
study makes use of descriptive design. The respondents
consisted of 2,777 teaching staff in the 398 public schools
and 7,969 teachers in the 249 private schools in Kwara. A
sample size of 338 and 367 teaching staff in the two
schools was used as respondents, respectively, using the
table of sample size by Krejcie and Morgan (1970). A
researcher-designed instrument titled the Principals
Decision-Making Patterns of Questionnaire (PDMPQ) was
utilized for data collection. It was revealed in the study
principals' decision-making patterns (P<.05); there was a
considerable difference in the decision-making pattern on
instructional supervision ((P<.05); there was a significant
difference in decision-making pattern of principals on
conflict resolutions (P<.05); and lastly, there was
considerable difference in principals' decision-making
pattern on disciplinary act (P< 05) in Kwara State. In line
with the results, it was recommended that principals of
secondary schools should formulate clear instructional
supervision decisions regarding the operations of their
schools. Also, the principals should formulate effective
conflict resolution decisions so as to improve the
relationship of school members. Lastly, the principals, as a
matter of urgency, make sound decisions on disciplinary
measures and ensure that they are placed in conspicuous
places for the students and staff to see.