Respect, Trust, Caring, and Organizational Learning in Schools: The Principal's Role

• In Event: Roundtable Session 28
  In Roundtable Session: Ethical Leadership and Organizational Learning

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between principals’ trust in the professional competence of teachers, teachers perceptions of principal caring for their professional situation and work, and organizational learning, which we define as searching for, assessing, and using new information. The paper is based on teacher and principal surveys in 116 schools in several states. Findings suggest that principal respect for teachers and teachers perceptions of principal caring are associated with organizational learning. Having a school population that includes a larger number of disadvantaged students does not change this relationship, but larger schools appear to be slightly advantaged. The findings reaffirm the importance of understanding the emotional and interpersonal dynamics of leadership in creating more authentically improving school settings.

Authors

• Karen Seashore Louis, University of Minnesota

• Joseph F. Murphy, Vanderbilt University

• Mark A. Smylie, University of Illinois