Team work and school performance: A study of selected secondary schools in Wakiso District.

Abstract

The study investigated the contribution of team work and school performance in selected schools in Wakiso district. The study had four objectives which were to; identify the different types of teams in Schools, establish the challenges teams face in school settings, asses the level of team processes in schools and establish the relationship between team work and performance. The study employed a descriptive cross sectional survey which was carried out using a structured questionnaire and in-depth key informant interview. A total of 95 students 10 head teachers, 5 representatives of regional bodies were covered by the study. The primary data was collected using questionnaires and in-depth interview guide. Secondary methods of data collection used in the study included literature review and documentary analysis of school documents. The responses obtained were analysed by quantitative methods including Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) to get the frequency and percentages. The results show that schools of Wakiso have to a limited extent embraced teams including problem solving teams, autonomous teams and very few cross functional teams and virtual teams.

The study established that teams face numerous challenges which include: poor leadership, external influence, individualistic attitude, absence of policies that guide their activities and financial constraints. The study established that teams influence performance, student enrolment and joint approach towards discipline. The study also found that the levels of team processes in these areas were low.

The study recommended that: Schools need to put emphasis on development of different types of teams in their organisation, there is a need to train head teachers and other actors in team work, there is need for enactment of policies to regulate the activities of teams and that team leaders need to develop an open communication for teams to succeed.