Transformational Leadership's Impact on Teacher Performance in Crisis-Affected Educational Settings

A recent study published in Administrative Sciences has shed light on the role of transformational leadership in crisis-affected educational settings. The research, conducted by Soha El Achi and her team at the Arab Open University, investigated the impact of transformational leadership and the work environment on teacher performance. The study found that while the work environment has a significant positive effect on teacher performance, transformational leadership does not have a direct impact in crisis contexts. However, the results suggest that a supportive work environment can mitigate the effects of leadership ineffectiveness. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of the work environment in shaping leadership effectiveness and teacher performance in fragile educational systems.

Key Takeaways:

• The study aimed to investigate the impact of transformational leadership and the work environment on teacher performance in crisis-affected educational settings.
• A quantitative, survey-based approach was adopted, utilizing a random sample of 509 teachers from various schools across Lebanon.
• The results revealed that the work environment has a strong and significant positive effect on teacher performance, while transformational leadership does not exhibit a statistically significant direct impact.
• The findings suggest that prolonged socio-economic and political crises shift teachers' reliance more toward a supportive work environment.
• The study highlights the importance of the work environment in shaping leadership effectiveness and teacher performance in fragile educational systems.
• The research offers empirical insights to inform leadership practices and policy interventions in fragile educational systems.

Statistics:

• 509 teachers participated in the study, which was conducted across various schools in Lebanon.
• The study utilized a quantitative, survey-based approach to assess direct and moderating relationships.
• Smart PLS 4 was used to analyze the data, and the results revealed a statistically significant positive effect of the work environment on teacher performance.
• The study found that transformational leadership does not exhibit a statistically significant direct impact on teacher performance, contrasting with prior studies conducted in stable educational settings.
• The research estimates that a supportive work environment can mitigate the effects of leadership ineffectiveness.

Sources:

• Soha El Achi et al., "The Impact of Transformational Leadership and Work Environment on Teachers' Performance in Crisis-Affected Educational Settings", Administrative Sciences, 2025, 15(7), 256.
• MDPI AG, publisher of Administrative Sciences, http://www.mdpi.com/journal/admsci.
• Jeanne Laure Mawad et al., Lebanese National Center for Educational Research and Development.
• Nada Jabbour Al Maalouf, Faculty of Business Studies, Arab Open University.