The relationship between work motivation and leadership practices among graduates of a master's degree program

by Dowd, Marjorie M.

This study examined the relationship between work motivation and leadership practices among graduates of a master’s degree program in education administration and supervision. The study was conducted in an effort to produce information relevant to the human resources practices of secondary school administrators and to identify potential professional development topics for school districts and college training programs. Data were collected through a quantitative research methodology. First, the study sought to determine each participant’s work motivation as measured by the Work Motivation Inventory and differences among participant scores on that inventory. Secondly, the study sought to determine each participant’s leadership practices as measured by the Leadership Practices Inventory and differences among participant scores on that inventory. The third objective of the study was to determine if there is a relationship between the participants’ leadership practices and work motivation using correlation analysis. Graduates’ Work Motivation Inventory and Leadership Practices Inventory scores showed statistically significant positive relationships between the Work Motivation Inventory score on Accomplishment and the five leadership practices identified as Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart. Statistically significant positive relationships were also noted between the Work Motivation Inventory score on Power and four of the five leadership practices scores - Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, and Encourage the Heart. The Work Motivation Inventory score on Affiliation showed a iii statistically significant positive relationship with one of the five leadership practices, Enable Others to Act. Implications from the findings and areas for future research center around the development of future school leaders. Further research should be considered on linking work motivation and leadership practices.