Influence of Transformational and Democratic Leadership Styles on Students’ Academic Performance in Entrepreneurship Among Advanced Level Secondary Schools in Musanze District, Rwanda

Aime Cezar Hakizimana and Owino Elizabeth Akinyi
University of Kigali
Email: aimecezarhakizimana@gmail.com

Abstract: This study examined the influence of transformational and democratic leadership styles on students’ academic performance in Entrepreneurship among Advanced Level secondary schools in Musanze District, Rwanda. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Data were collected from Senior Six students and school-based key informants using questionnaires and interviews. A total of 326 questionnaires were distributed, of which 302 were completed and returned, representing a 92.6% response rate. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze quantitative data, while qualitative responses were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between transformational leadership and students’ academic performance (r = .754, p < .01). Democratic leadership also showed a positive and statistically significant relationship with academic performance (r = .660, p < .01). Regression results indicated that the two leadership styles jointly explained 58.0% of the variation in students’ academic performance. Transformational leadership was the stronger predictor (β = .615, p < .001), while democratic leadership also made a significant contribution (β = .176, p = .004). The study concludes that effective school leadership plays an important role in improving Entrepreneurship academic performance. It recommends strengthening transformational practices that promote motivation, innovation, and high expectations, while enhancing democratic practices that encourage participation, teamwork, and shared responsibility.