Description:
Code of ethics and conduct for public servants help to improve secondary teachers
discipline and job performance. The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’
perception on various provisions of code of ethics and conduct, how they comply with it,
challenges faced by them when they comply with code of ethics and conduct and ways to
improve it to be suitable for secondary school teachers job performance and discipline.
This study employed mixed research approach which utilized embedded research design.
The study was conducted in Babati Town Council, involving 3 heads of the schools and
43 teachers. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews
methods. The study found out that most of teachers were aware of various provisions of
code of ethics and conduct and adhere with those provisions when they execute their
responsibilities. Also, the study showed some of the challenges faced by the teachers
when they try to comply or follow various provisions of code of ethics and conduct
which are poor working conditions, lacks of motivation, politician interference and
teachers’ individuals problems. In addition to that, the study discussed measure to
improve code of ethics and conduct to be suitable to ameliorate teachers’ job
performance and discipline. The study has implications for policy makers, government
leaders, education administrators and teachers. According to the findings, policy makers,
government leaders, education administrators and teachers have the roles to play to make
sure code of ethics and conduct improve teachers’ job performance and discipline. The
study suggest future researchers to investigate on how teachers’ failure to adhere code of
ethics and conduct affects students’ academic performance or education system in
Tanzania.