Laissez-faire and derailed leadership behavior as predictors of teachers’ social engagement with students and colleagues

ABSTRACT

This study examines the effects of derailed (DrLB) and laissez-faire leadership (LLB) on teachers’ social engagement with students (TSES) and colleagues (TSEC). A correlational predictive design with a quantitative approach was employed. A total of 397 teachers and 366 students were participants. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. DrLB and LLB exhibited in CTEs (t (396) = 20.61, Cohn’s d = 1.03, p < 0.01) and (t (396) = 26.76, Cohn’s d = 1.35, p < 0.01), respectively. Teachers were engaged with students and colleagues (t (396) = 24.34, Cohn’s d = 1.22, p < 0.01) and (t (396) = 20.18, Cohn’s d = 1.01, p < 0.0) and (t (365) = 7.94, Cohn’s d = 0.42, p < 0.01) and (t (365) = 12.45, Cohn’s d = 0.66, p < 0.01) from teachers and students’ data. There was a significant relationship between TSEC and LLB (r = .751, p < 0.01). DrLB and LLB predict TSES and TEC (Wilks’ Λ = .164, F (60, 813) = 9.18, p < .01, partial η2 = .42) and LLB (Wilks’ Λ = .17, F (55, 804) = 9.03, p < .01, partial η2 = .4.), respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that teachers are struggling with d DrLB and LLB. Finally, recommendations were forwarded to potential stakeholders such as the regional education bureau, deans, teachers and board members of CTEs.

Acknowledgments

We would like to extend our gratitude to the participant teachers and students in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Atalay Mesfin Anteneh

Atalay Mesfin Anteneh PhD, Candidate in Education policy and leadership, Department of Educational Planning and Management, School of Educational Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, [email protected].

Melaku Mengistu Gebremeskel

Melaku Mengistu Gebremeskel Associate professor (PhD) in Educational policy and Leadership, Department of Educational planning and Management, School of Educational Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, [email protected].