Predictors of Department Heads' Motivation: The Key Role of Relational Trust in Schools

• In Event: Administrator Support of School and Teacher Emotional Needs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore how principals’ feedback for employees is related to department heads’ self-efficacy for mentoring teachers and their perceptions of job autonomy and role clarity. Based on a sample of 251 school department heads from Norway, the study revealed that frequent feedback from school principals is positively related to department heads’ self-efficacy, role clarity, and perceived job autonomy. Moreover, these relationships are mediated by relational trust, and this study underscores the importance of trust in schools.

Authors

• Christian Brandmo, Department of Teacher Education and School Development - University of Oslo

• Dijana Tiplic, University of Oslo

• Eyvind Elstad, University of Oslo