Nexus between distributed leadership, teacher academic optimism and teacher organisational commitment: a structural equation modelling analysis
International Journal of Educational Management
ISSN: 0951-354X
Article publication date: 2 March 2021
Issue publication date: 6 May 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationships between distributed leadership, teacher academic optimism and teacher organisational commitment with the contextual influence of gender and teaching experience.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed partial least squares structural equation modelling for data analysis. This study has selected 421 teachers from 18 secondary schools in Penang.
Findings
Distributed leadership has a positive direct effect on teacher academic optimism and organisational commitment. The relationship between distributed leadership and teacher academic optimism was stronger for male teachers and senior teachers who have more than ten years of teaching experience. However, gender and teaching experience have no significant moderating effects on the relationship between distributed leadership and teacher organisational commitment.
Research limitations/implications
The reason for the non-existent relationship between distributed leadership and teacher organisational commitment across gender and teaching experience remains unknown. In-depth investigation using interview method is required for further exploration.
Practical implications
This study complements and extends prior research on the relationships between distributed leadership, teacher organisational commitment and teacher academic optimism by providing evidence from Malaysia on how they contribute to the organisational conditions of their school.
Originality/value
This study has its originality in investigating the relationships between distributed leadership, teacher organisational commitment and academic optimism with the contextual influence of gender and teaching experience in the non-western society.
Keywords
Citation
Thien, L.M., Adams, D. and Koh, H.M. (2021), "Nexus between distributed leadership, teacher academic optimism and teacher organisational commitment: a structural equation modelling analysis", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 35 No. 4, pp. 830-847. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-05-2020-0278
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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