Date of Award
1-24-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Educational Leadership, Ed.D.
First Advisor
Ibrahim Duyar
Second Advisor
David Stevens
Committee Members
Rob Williams
Call Number
ISBN 9798381427820
Abstract
Stress experienced by elementary teachers is common, and teachers often discover that stress reduces job satisfaction, performance, and overall well-being. A record number of teachers feel marginalized and leave the profession due to high levels of stress in schools. The current study employed a phenomenological research design and gathered qualitative data from 12 elementary teachers and three corresponding principals who are considered self-sacrificing servant leaders as a possible source of reducing their perceived stress through dyadic relationships. The four attributes of servant leadership conceptually outlined a deductive framework to include an administrator’s ability to communicate servant leadership through expressions of humility, empathy, autonomy, and altruism which were categorized into broader themes. The current study organically identified the complex human experience of teacher stress to stimulate new dialogue holistically, produce rich descriptions of stress among teachers, and give rise to unheard voices. The results identified six themes of teacher stress. The themes identified include fatigue, anxiety, frustration, burnout, insecurity, and coping. Teachers interviewed in this study generated 234 significant statements, concluding seven themes relevant to reducing the perceived stress of teachers. Servant leaders who convey a perception of reduced stress: prioritized time, were proactive, led by example, valued staff, were approachable, “had my back,” and most significantly, did not micromanage were perceived to reduce the stress of subordinates. The strongest servant leadership attributes aligning with reducing the stress of teachers were those of altruism at 37% and empathy at 28%. Although significant, humility at 21% and autonomy at 15% were found to be less influential in reducing perceived stress, and autonomy was found to be a source of stress in some instances. The results may apply to the perspectives of elementary teachers; however, it can be implemented in any organization that applies high standards and seeks to improve the well-being of their subordinates. While servant leadership is not the only leadership style that can reduce stress, themes produced may give rise to a healthier, happier workforce.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Rankin, Jennifer Ann, "Examining The Influence of Principals’ Servant Leadership Practices on Teachers’ Perceived Stress in Elementary Schools" (2024). Student Theses and Dissertations. 129.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/129
