Collective Efficacy among schoolteachers: Influences on the relationship between Trust and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour

Abstract

We explored the mediating effect of Collective Efficacy (CE) on the relationship between Trust and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) in an education setting. A total of 255 teachers (females = 56%, elementary in an urban area = 47%, mean years of service = 9.77, SD = 8.23) completed surveys on Trust, CE, and OCB. Results from partial least square structural equation modelling indicated that Trust in colleagues, Trust in students and CE were related to OCB, while Trust in principals and parents was not. Trust in principals and colleagues was positively related to CE, but not Trust in parents and students. Most importantly, CE only mediates the relationship between teacher Trust and OCB and the relationship between Trust in colleagues and OCB. These findings are consistent with social exchange theory by which work behaviours may be contingent on perceived worth to self and the organisation. The results imply that school management and policymakers should implement strategies to recognise teachers’ accomplishments and promote a supportive environment through peer mentoring programmes.