Strategic Orientation and Growth Performance of Private Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

Abstract 
This study determined the predictive influence of strategic orientation practices on the growth performance of private secondary schools in Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State. Five specific objectives, five research questions and null hypotheses were stated to guide the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population was 3929 respondents, comprising 105 school 
principals and 3840 teachers from private secondary schools in Akwa Ibom North East. The sample size was 319 respondents, comprising of 65 principals and 254 teachers from private secondary schools in Akwa Ibom North East senatorial district. A 2-stage sampling process was adopted for the study. The researcher developed instruments titled “Strategic Orientation Practices of Principals of Secondary Schools Questionnaire (SOPSSQ) and Growth Performance of Secondary Schools Questionnaire (GPSSQ) were used for data collection in the study. Face validation of 
the instrument was carried out by three experts from the University of Uyo, Uyo. To ascertain the reliability of the instruments, it was trial tested on 40 respondents were not part of the sample size but were part of the population. Cronbach Alpha was used to analysis the data and a reliability coefficient values of 0.88 and 0.82 for SOPSSQ and GPSSQ were obtained respectively. Regression analysis was used to answer research questions and to test all the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. Findings of the study showed a low positive but not significant influence of Entrepreneurial and market orientation on growth performance. It was concluded based on the findings that strategic orientation though practiced in varying degrees by private school administrators, was still very low. It was recommended among others that, private school administrators should invest more in technology enhanced learning. Market research should be carried out by Private school administrators to determine the direction of the market and emerging new markets. This will help them 
to better position themselves.