Exploring the Impact of Spiritual Leadership on Educator Outcomes: Job Satisfaction, Engagement, Performance, Deviant Behavior, and Turnover Intentions in Academic Institutions

Abstract Purpose – Reliable academic institutions depend on dedicated and great performers in education to provide her high-quality education. However, the problems of employee disengagement, dissatisfaction, deviance, poor performance, and turnover intentions are very serious. In this regard the present study will explore five major objectives. first, to investigate the effect of spiritual leadership on teachers’ job satisfaction; second, to examine the influence on employee engagement; third, to determine the effect on workplace deviant behavior and fourth, to evaluate the effect on job performance and fifth, to test its predictive value on turnover intentions among faculty in higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative, correlational research design was used in the present study. Data were collected from full-time faculty members working in Indian academic institutions through a structured questionnaire. A total of 404 valid responses were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships between spiritual leadership and the five outcome variables. Findings – The results indicated a significant positive relationship between spiritual leadership and teachers’ job satisfaction (β = 0.718, p < 0.001), employee engagement (β = 0.504, p < 0.001), and job performance (β = 0.582, p < 0.001). Moreover, spiritual leadership was found to have a significant negative impact on turnover intentions (β = –0.227, p < 0.001), suggesting it helps in employee retention. However, the negative relationship between spiritual leadership and workplace deviant behavior was not statistically significant (β = –0.089, p = 0.359), indicating that other factors may influence deviance. Four out of the five hypotheses were supported. Originality/value – The work helps to advance the rapidly growing body of literature on spiritual leadership by empirically confirming its influence on improving some key workplace outcomes in the field of education. It brings to the fore the way that spiritual leadership by means of vision, altruistic love and hope/faith can enhance faculty motivation, satisfaction, and engagement. The present paper provides practical recommendations for academic leaders and administrators willing to develop a positive work culture and enhance teacher performance. Limitations and directions for future research (cross-sectional design and institutional specificity) are discussed as well.