The relationship between leader-members exchange and teacher morale

The aim of this study is to determine how leader-member exchange affects teachers' morale and to reveal the relationships between these concepts in detail. The sample of the study consists of 260 teachers, working in state high schools located in the central districts of Diyarbakır, during the 2023-2024 academic year, selected using the convenience sampling method. In the study, the relational survey model from quantitative research methods was adopted, and the "Personal Information Form," "Leader-Member Exchange Scale," and "Teacher Morale Scale" were used as data collection tools. The obtained data were analyzed using the SPSS 23 program. In the analysis of the collected data, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, K-Smirnov Z and Shapiro-Wilk, Mann Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis H, and Spearman Correlation analyses were utilized. The main findings of the study indicate that teachers' perceptions of leader-member exchange are at a moderate level, and that the total score of the Leader-Member Exchange Scale, as well as the scores from its sub-dimensions; emotion, contribution, and loyalty significantly differ according to their educational background, favoring those with a bachelor's degree. The scores obtained from the Teacher Morale Scale indicated that the teachers' morale characteristics were above the average value. It has been determined that the findings obtained from the scales were not affected by variables such as gender, professional seniority, length of service at the school, and subject area. It has been determined that there is a moderately significant positive relationship between the scores obtained from the Leader-Member Exchange Scale and the Teacher Morale Scale. Based on the results of the study, it has been suggested that school administrators should provide the necessary support to teachers to enhance their morale levels, show the necessary sensitivity in providing resources, appreciate the work done, possess sufficient professional knowledge, and create a positive work atmosphere.