"Will and Skill": How Caring Leadership Triggers Teachers' Behavioral Transformation

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:45 pm
  In Roundtable Session: How Principal Leadership Practices Influence Teacher Performance

Abstract

Research on caring leadership has gained scholarly traction over the past decade, with evidence suggesting it fosters positive emotional experiences. However, its impact on behavioral changes remains underexplored. This study investigates how teachers’ perceptions of caring leadership foster positive feelings and subsequent behavioral transformation in the context of AI adoption. 140 Chinese kindergarten teachers using institutional AI platforms completed questionnaires assessing their perceptions of principals’ caring leadership, work devotion, behavioral transformation, and training frequency. Results revealed caring leadership significantly enhances their work devotion. Moreover, caring leadership positively influences behavioral transformation mediated by work devotion, with teacher training moderating this relationship. These findings suggest emotionally engaged leadership complements traditional methods and may sustain long-term impacts by providing skill-building support.

Author

• Fei He, Zhejiang International Studies University