The impact of principals' leadership on school performance: evidence from the city of naga, cebu – Philippines

This quantitative study investigates the impact of principals' leadership styles on school performance in the City of Naga, Cebu, Philippines. The research examines the relationship between leadership styles and academic achievement, assessing principals' leadership using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. The study reveals significant correlations between transformational leadership and improved school performance, characterized by increased teacher motivation, better school climate and enhanced academic outcomes. Transactional leadership also demonstrates positive effects, whereas laissez-faire leadership negatively impacts school performance. Hierarchical regression analysis confirms transformational leadership as a significant predictor of school performance. Teacher motivation and school climate emerge as crucial mediators. The findings suggest effective principals' leadership significantly enhances school performance, influencing teacher job satisfaction and student engagement. Implications for educational policy, leadership development programs and future research are discussed. The study recommends focused leadership training, supportive school environments and collaborative governance. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and regional specificity. Future studies should explore longitudinal designs, broader geographical contexts and diverse educational settings.