Impact of leadership on teacher job satisfaction and motivation within Maltese schools

Abstract

Job satisfaction is an important quality one needs to have to feel content in the workplace. Not only does this quality encourage one to remain in their position at work, but it boosts their performance. This study aims to explore the types of leadership styles found in the local context and investigate the relationship this leaves on the teachers’ satisfaction and motivation to carry out their duties. The methodology chosen for this study was a quantitative one. A questionnaire was designed and administered online, where a total of 105 teachers volunteered to participate in the study. Participants are currently in service and teach at various levels ranging from primary to higher secondary within different school sectors. Results showed that the most prominent leadership styles in schools are servant leadership and laissez-faire leadership. The majority of teachers are also satisfied with their job, with the majority being positively affected by the leadership styles exhibited in their school environments; for a portion of teachers, job satisfaction is not influenced by the leadership styles they are subjected to. The conclusions reached in this study can be of some use to the management teams in schools. Knowing what motivates and satisfies their employees will help the schools retain their staff and have a harmonious environment where teachers can give their maximum effort to the school and their students.