Unveiling the associations between principal self-efficacy, openness to change and transformational leadership: the mediating role of well-being

Özdemir S., SEZGİN F., Kılınç A. Ç., ERDOĞAN O., Turan Bora H.

JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION, vol.62, no.5, pp.528-544, 2024 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 62 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1108/jea-11-2023-0284
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, EBSCO Education Source, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), vLex
  • Page Numbers: pp.528-544
  • Keywords: Openness to change, Principal self-efficacy, Professional well-being, Transformational leadership
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

PurposeThe current study seeks to explore the links between principal self-efficacy, openness to change, well-being, and transformational leadership. Specifically, we tested a mediated-effects model where principal self-efficacy and openness to change were treated as independent variables, well-being as mediator, and transformational leadership as dependent variable.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected from 351 principals employed in Turkish schools and analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results suggested the direct empirical relationship of principal self-efficacy and openness to change with transformational leadership, and indirect through professional well-being.Originality/valueOur study enriched our understanding of school leadership by elucidating the potential mechanisms that underpin the implementation of transformational leadership practices.