The Dichotomy of Ubuntu and Leadership Styles in Three Teachers’ Colleges in Masvingo Province: Establishing a Common Ground

Abstract

Generally, ubuntu is regarded as an African philosophy.  As a philosophy, it is expected to regulate and inform all the activities done in African societies and, as such, leadership is not spared. This paper posits that leadership styles that are at the leaders’ disposal in teachers’ colleges are Eurocentric and yet they can be Africanised by embracing ubuntu. The study argues that there is a disharmony between leadership styles that are employed by leaders in teachers’ colleges and ubuntu. It is contended that ubuntu is the guiding philosophy in African societies. Therefore, a common ground should be established between ubuntu and leadership styles. Qualitative data were collected using observation, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews.  The study revealed that leadership styles that are employed in Teachers’ Colleges are Eurocentric.  It was also established that policies guiding leadership in the colleges are alien.  The study recommends robust measures to establish a common ground for leadership styles and ubuntu.