The impact of leadership styles on teacher work engagement towards the development of best practice guidelines

Abstract

This study aimed to explore how various leadership styles influence the work engagement of selected teachers in the School of Information Engineering in Shandong Management University. The study assessed the leadership styles of leaders based on the teachers’ perception, categorized as Autocratic, Democratic, and Laissez Faire. Additionally, teacher work engagement was evaluated based on the dimensions of Vigor, Dedication, and Absorption. The respondents of the study were 218 selected teachers from the total population of full-time teachers in the School of Information Engineering, Shandong Management University. The study employed adapted and modified survey questionnaires to gather data on teachers' perceptions of their leaders' leadership styles and their respective levels of work engagement. Teacher respondents feel deeply committed to their work, contributing to job satisfaction and effectiveness. Older teachers show higher engagement due to experience and career fulfillment; Effective leadership practices can improve motivation, commitment, and work satisfaction, leading to a more engaged teaching environment; Understanding the intricate dynamics of leadership in educational settings is crucial for making informed decisions and strategic plans in the field. Based on the conclusions derived in this study, the following are the recommendations: It suggests establishing mentorship programs to connect experienced teachers with less experienced ones, providing advice and knowledge sharing for younger female teachers; It also suggests providing teachers with extensive leadership development and training programs to enhance their understanding of different leadership perspectives; Age-responsive training programs should focus on understanding age-related attitudes and choices about leadership philosophies; Acknowledging and celebrating high levels of work engagement is also suggested; Specialized resources and assistance programs for younger teachers should address workload management, professional development opportunities, and mentorship support. Finally, comprehensive systems for educational leaders' development and training should focus on understanding various leadership philosophies and their impact on teacher engagement.