Perceived Discrimination on Workplace Relations Between Junior Secondary School Teachers and Headteachers in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract: Conflict between Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and head teachers, driven by perceived discrimination in workload, decision-making, and recognition undermines teamwork, morale, and efficiency, harming school climate and potentially affecting student’s outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the influence of perceived discrimination on workplace relations between JSS teachers and head teachers in Kiambu County Kenya. The study was anchored and guided by equity theory. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Kiambu County has approximately 576 public primary schools, which currently host JSS sections. The target population comprised of 576 head teachers and approximately 4800 JSS teachers in public schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. To determine the appropriate sample size the study applied Yamane formula (1967). The total sample size was 372 respondents, including 40 head teachers and 332 JSS teachers. To ensure proper representation, stratified random sampling was used to categorize schools based on sub-counties in Kiambu County. Then, simple random sampling was used to select school, individual teachers and head teachers. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection. A pilot study was conducted so as to ensure reliability and validity of the questionnaire Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The study results showed a significant positive and significant influence of perceived exclusion from decision-making (β1=-0.371, p=0.024), differential work assignment (β2 =-0.302, p=0.038), perceived intimidation and threats (β3=-0.414, p=0.001) and decision-making (β3=0.824, p=0.000) on on workplace relations between junior secondary school teachers and head teachers in Kiambu county Kenya. While perceived professional devaluation has a negative and statistically insignificant (β4=-0.130, p=0.147>0.05) influence on workplace relations between junior secondary school teachers and head teachers in Kiambu county Kenya. The study concluded that perceived discrimination significantly undermines workplace relationships between JSS teachers and head teachers in Kiambu County, Kenya. Recommendations include inclusive decision-making, fair workload distribution, training and development, communication, investigation, reviewing school management structure, laws and registration. Key words: Discrimination, Workplace Relations, Junior Secondary Schools, Teachers, Headteachers