Investigation of School Administrators’ Humour Styles and School Climate according to Teacher Perceptions

Abstract Introduction: This research aims to determine the humour behaviours of school administrators according to teacher perception and to reveal the relationship between humour behaviours and school climate. Methods: The research was carried out in a survey model. The data of the study were obtained from 221 primary school teachers working in Ankara and Aksaray provinces via a questionnaire created online. Regression analysis technique was used to determine the relationship between variables. Results: According to the results of the research, school administrators showed relatively more positive humour (producer-social humour and affirmative humour) behaviours. In terms of climate, it is seen that the perception of a positive school climate (supportive and intimacy based school climate) is higher than the negative ones. When the relationships between the variables were examined, it was seen that there was a definite increase in the school climate with the school administrator using humour positively. With the rise in the use of refusing or sarcastic humour, there was an adverse increase in school climate. Discussion: According to these results, it can be argued that humour behaviours of school administrators are an essential determinant in the context of creating a positive school climate in schools. Limitations: Data from the sample of the study were collected through online questionnaires. Therefore, this research has no claim of generalisability. Conclusions: Therefore, it is necessary to increase the knowledge and sensitivity of school administrators on how to use and manage humour.