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Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the findings as it relates to the leadership styles of public school principals and the work performance and morale of school employees. The paper reveals the characteristics of school principals that contribute to the commitment levels of school employees. The paper also offers the motivational factors that public school principals utilize to increase the work performance and morale of school staff members. From the results within the study it was revealed that the work performance and morale of staff members (p value .00) is significantly influenced by the leadership style of public school principals. Furthermore, it was revealed that communication, relationships, open-mindedness, approachability, enjoyment of education, and being knowledgeable in the education field as an explanation of the characteristics of principals that play a role in the commitment of school staff. Additionally, it was discovered from study results that accountability and recognition were considered motivational factors that attribute to the work performance and the morale of school staff.
Based on the results of the study it can be implied that school improvements is hinged on the premises of public school principals' leadership style and the work performances and morale of school staff members. Finally, as a result of the findings it was recommended that additional research be conducted on the leadership style of school principals and work performance and the morale of school employees to include a larger sample size and span to more school districts within a given geographic area.
Keywords: Leadership style, Staff commitment, Motivational factors, Leadership, Commitment levels
Introduction
The basis of the study was to determine if there were a relationship between public school principals' leadership styles and the work performance and morale of school staff members, as recognized by the five components indicated on the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) survey: (1) Model the way, (2) Inspire shared vision, (3) Challenge the process, (4) Enable others to act, and (5) Encourage the heart (Kouzes & Posner, 2013). The research study was conducted in the third largest school district in northeastern Georgia.
Results of the study provided an increased awareness of the lack of research on the leadership behaviors and practices displayed by leaders in public school settings and how behavioral patterns impact...