The Effect of School Principals’ Empowering Leadership Behaviors on Well-Being at Work: The Mediating Role of Organizational Ostracism

Abstract This study investigates the impact of empowering leadership exhibited by school principals on teachers’ perspectives on organizational ostracism and well-being at work in educational settings in Türkiye. Applying a cross-sectional research design, we collected responses from 603 teachers in different provinces. The results reveal that empowering leadership has a positive impact on teachers’ well-being. Furthermore, empowering leadership practices significantly diminish teachers’ perceptions of ostracism, thus cultivating a positive and inclusive work environment. Our findings emphasize the pivotal role of organizational ostracism in mediating the relationship between empowering leadership and well-being at work, highlighting the importance of empowering leadership in creating a healthy and supportive school setting. These insights offer valuable guidance to school leaders, teachers, and policymakers in crafting conducive work environments, enhancing teacher–principal relationships, and promoting overall teacher well-being.