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Principal self-efficacy: relations with burnout, job satisfaction and motivation to quit

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore relations between principals’ self-efficacy, burnout, job satisfaction and principals’ motivation to quit. Principal self-efficacy was measured by a recently developed multidimensional scale called the Norwegian Principal Self-Efficacy Scale. Burnout was measured by a modified version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Job satisfaction and motivation to quit were measured by two scales developed for the purpose of this study, respectively. Participant in the study were 1,818 principals from the population of Norwegian principals. Data was collected by means of an electronic questionnaire. Two structural equation models were tested which specified principal self-efficacy as an exogenous variable and burnout, job satisfaction and motivation to quit as endogenous variables. The data was analyzed by means of SEM analysis for latent variables using the AMOS 18 program. Both models had acceptable fit to data. The results revealed that principal self-efficacy was positively related to job satisfaction and motivation to quit and negatively related to burnout. Burnout and job satisfaction were negatively related. Burnout was positively related to motivation to quit whereas job satisfaction was negatively related. The study highlights important relations between self-efficacy, burnout, job satisfaction and motivation to quit and extends the literature on principal self-efficacy and its relation to other concepts. The results of the study are discussed together with limitations and suggestions for further research.

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  1. Department of Education, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway

    Roger A. Federici & Einar M. Skaalvik

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  1. Roger A. Federici
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  2. Einar M. Skaalvik
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Correspondence to Roger A. Federici.

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Federici, R.A., Skaalvik, E.M. Principal self-efficacy: relations with burnout, job satisfaction and motivation to quit. Soc Psychol Educ 15, 295–320 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-012-9183-5

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