The Relationship between Leader Member Exchange and Teacher Job Satisfaction

Abstract

The evolving educational landscape rendered by the introduction of accountability measures such as Compass, Common Core, and PARCC has created significant challenges for K-12 educators in Louisiana and has contributed significantly to a revolving door among many educators in and out of the profession. Consequently, the recurring problem of teacher attrition continues to be an issue for educators in America and the relationship that teachers develop with their leaders becomes increasingly important. A quantitative study was conducted to explore a possible relationship between leader member exchange and teacher job satisfaction. Incorporating the theoretical lens of the Leader Member Exchange Theory, data was collected using the LMX-7, Job Satisfaction Survey, and a demographic questionnaire developed for teachers at three schools in a single school district in Louisiana.