The Link between Transformational Leadership and Teachers' Job Satisfaction, Commitment, Motivation to Learn, and Trust in the Leader

Abstract

The paper aims to provide an overview of recent research on the effects of a contemporary leadership model (transformational leadership) on teacher-related educational outcomes. It presents a review of international literature on transformational leadership in relation to its effects on the following four key outcomes: teacher job satisfaction, motivation to learn, trust in the leader, and commitment to the organization. Transformational leadership refers to a process of interaction between leaders and followers whereby the former enhance the creativity and motivation of the latter. Transformational leaders engage with followers, focusing on their intrinsic motivation and confidence. Unlike transactional leadership, transformational leadership does not seek to maintain the status quo but provides a stimulus for change and innovation instead. The review mainly covers recent studies (published after 2000) on the link between transformational leadership and teacher job satisfaction, motivation to learn, trust in the leader, and commitment to the organization. The focus is on studies using advanced quantitative research such as structural equation modeling as these are considered to provide a more reliable basis for drawing conclusions on the effect of transformational leadership on teacher outcomes. The findings of the overview are used to draw conclusions and implications regarding educational policy as well as future research on the topic. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]; Copyright of Academy of Educational Leadership Journal is the property of Jordan Whitney Enterprises, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)