Paternalistic Leadership and Teachers' Interpersonal Trust: Mediation of Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 31
  In Roundtable Session: Key Topics in Leadership for School Improvement

Abstract

Teacher’s interpersonal trust were critical for schools due to its influence on cooperation, which was fundamental to successful teaching. Drawing from a sample of 1123 teachers in China and based on self-determinant theory, the present research explored the relation between paternalistic leadership and teachers’ trust in supervisors and colleagues with the mediation of basic psychological needs satisfaction. It also examined whether trust in supervisors mediated between paternalistic leadership and trust in colleagues. Results showed that paternalistic leadership significantly related to both trusts; needs satisfaction exhibited different degrees of mediating effect between paternalistic leadership and two trusts; and trust in supervisors mediated between paternalistic leadership and trust in colleagues. Implications of the results were discussed.

Authors

• Runjia Tang, Beijing Normal University

• Yonghong Cai, Beijing Normal University