ABSTRACT

This study investigates the effect of empowerment on the commitment of teachers in private primary schools in Bamenda, Cameroon. Teacher empowerment is a crucial factor in improving job satisfaction, motivation, and overall commitment to an organization. Empowered teachers are more likely to take initiative, feel valued, and show higher levels of dedication to their work. The research aims to explore how different forms of empowerment, such as decision-making autonomy, professional development, and recognition, influence teachers’ commitment in private primary schools.

A mixed-method approach was adopted for this research, involving both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Surveys were administered to teachers in selected private primary schools to assess their levels of empowerment and commitment. The survey focused on key empowerment aspects like decision-making power, access to resources, opportunities for professional growth, and recognition. Qualitative interviews with school administrators and teachers provided deeper insights into how empowerment practices influence teachers’ commitment to their jobs. The study also reviewed existing literature on teacher empowerment and commitment to contextualize the findings.

The results show that teacher empowerment positively affects commitment in private primary schools in Bamenda. Teachers who reported having decision-making autonomy, professional development opportunities, and regular recognition of their efforts demonstrated higher levels of commitment to their schools. Conversely, teachers who felt excluded from decision-making processes or lacked support in their professional growth expressed lower commitment. Administrators acknowledged that empowered teachers were more motivated and performed better in their roles.

The study concludes that fostering teacher empowerment is essential for enhancing commitment in private primary schools. Recommendations include involving teachers in decision-making processes, providing opportunities for continuous professional development, and recognizing teachers’ efforts and achievements. By implementing these measures, private primary schools in Bamenda can improve teacher commitment, leading to better educational outcomes.

Keywords: teacher empowerment, commitment, private primary schools, Bamenda, Cameroon, decision-making, professional development, recognition.