Gratitude and leadership in higher education institutions: Exploring the mediating role of social intelligence among teachers

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between gratitude and transformational leadership among university teachers. The study also intended to investigate the mediating effect of social intelligence (SI) on this relationship between gratitude and leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

Correlation and regression are used to analyze the relationship between gratitude, SI and leadership. Mediating effect of SI is accessed using Baron and Kenny’s (1986) method and bootstrapping technique.

Findings

Findings reveal positive relationship between gratitude and teacher leadership. SI is also found to mediate partially. The paper also discusses practical implications, limitations and scope for future researchers.

Originality/value

This is one of the pioneer studies that explore the role of gratitude in leadership development. Findings of the study will guide educational administrators to become more effective and efficient leaders.

Citation

Garg, N. and Gera, S. (2020), "Gratitude and leadership in higher education institutions: Exploring the mediating role of social intelligence among teachers", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 12 No. 5, pp. 915-926. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-09-2019-0241