This study examined principals’ personnel management skills: the interplay of human relations and instructional supervision in Delta State secondary schools. It was guided by two research questions and hypotheses respectively. The research employed a correlational survey method within an ex-post-facto design. The study encompassed a population of 15,322 principals and teachers from Delta State Secondary Schools, from which a purposive sample of 380 principals and teachers was selected. The research utilized the Principals’ Personnel Management Skills of Human Relations and Instructional Supervision Questionnaire (PPMSHRISQ) as the instrument for data collection. Data analysis involved mean rating to address the research questions, while hypotheses were tested utilizing Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) at a significance level of 0.05. Findings revealed that to a high extent, human relations and instructional supervision contribute significantly to effective personnel management by principals, in Delta State Secondary Schools. In conclusion, this study unveils crucial insights into the dynamics of personnel management by principals in Delta State Secondary Schools. It is evident from the data that both human relations and instructional supervision play substantial roles in contributing to effective personnel management. It was recommended that educational authorities and school leadership should prioritise professional development for principals, as human relations play a significant role in effective personnel management. These programmes should emphasise healthy connections, efficient communication, and a friendly workplace.
Keywords: Delta State, Human-Relations., Instructional Supervision, Secondary Schools, principals' personnel management skills
