A Model of Work Identity and Responsible Leadership to Improve Teacher Performance: The Mediating Role of Work Conditions in Art Colleges, Hunan

Abstract

Purpose of the Study,This study aimed to explore the factors influencing teachers’ talent cultivation performance and social-service performance in art colleges in Hunan Province, with a particular focus on how responsible leadership and work identity shape these outcomes.
The research objectives of this study are: 1) To conduct a multidimensional quantitative evaluation of talent cultivation performance and social-service performance; 2) To analyze the relationships among work identity, responsible leadership, team learning, talent cultivation performance, and social-service performance; 3) To examine the mediating effects of work conditions, including work culture, sense of responsibility, and team learning, on the relationship among responsible leadership, work identity, talent cultivation performance, and social-service performance; 4) To construct and validate a comprehensive performance improvement model.
Research Methods,The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research. The quantitative data were collected through a structured survey, distributing questionnaire to 400 teachers in art colleges across Hunan Province. The survey focused on key dimensions including responsible leadership, work identity, work culture, sense of responsibility, team learning, and performance outcomes, including talent cultivation performance and social-service performance. Additionally, qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 12 faculty members and administrators from various art colleges. The qualitative interviews provided in-depth insights into the dynamics of leadership, work identity, and performance in these institutions.
Research Process,The quantitative data were analyzed using statistical techniques, including factor analysis, reliability analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM). The qualitative data were coded and analyzed using NVivo software, identifying key themes related to leadership, work identity, and performance. The integration of these findings allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing teacher performance in the context of art education.
Research Findings,The findings indicated that teachers in art colleges in Hunan Province demonstrated moderate to high levels of talent cultivation performance and social-service performance. The study found that responsible leadership plays a significant role in enhancing both talent cultivation performance and social-service performance. Leadership behaviors including ethical decision-making, empowerment, and fostering trust were shown to improve teachers’ work identity and motivation. Strong work identity was also found to positively influence teachers’ commitment to talent cultivation and social service activities. Moreover, the mediating roles of work conditions, including work culture, sense of responsibility, and team learning, were critical in explaining how responsible leadership and work identity influenced teachers’ performance.

Keywords: work identity, responsibility leadership, teacher performance, work condition