Positive Leadership as a Lens to Understand How Principal Gratitude Expression Affects Teacher Knowledge Sharing

• In Event: Leadership Practices for Developing Teachers and Teamwork

Abstract

Teacher knowledge sharing has been a concern, especially in reforming environments, but there has been limited research on how principal positive leadership can contribute to teacher knowledge sharing. This is the first study to probe the influence of principal gratitude expression, a pivotal performance of positive leadership, on teacher knowledge sharing and the underlying mechanisms. Using hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrap methods with answers from 606 teachers in 85 primary and secondary schools across 18 provinces (including autonomous regions and municipalities) in China, this study revealed a significant positive effect of principal gratitude on teacher knowledge sharing, through the chain mediating influence of teacher psychological capital and autonomous motivation. Both theoretical insights and practical recommendations were considered.

Authors

• Yufeng Zhang, Beijing Normal University

• Rui Xiong, Beijing Normal University