Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

Abstract

Teachers and principals from high-needs, high-performing high schools across the state of Indiana completed a School Culture Survey, which included open-ended questions designed to determine the impact of organizational culture on teacher retention. Participants completed 264 electronic surveys. Both Pearsons and Spearmans correlation analyses found evidence supporting the null hypothesis that organizational culture has no impact on teacher retention. However, findings gathered through a qualitative analysis of teachers open-ended responses on the survey found themes supporting the notion that the organizational culture of a High-Needs School does have a bearing on a teachers stated reason why he or she would leave or stay at the school. A comparison of the teacher reasons for leaving versus those given for staying revealed the cultural factors—colleagues and value—as strong influences for staying, but weak influences for leaving. Conversely, twice as many teachers gave the external factor—pay—as a reason for leaving than as a reason for staying. So few principals responded to the survey that their responses were not coded for qualitative analysis. However, a careful review of their feedback affirmed the lack of ability some principals may feel to make important changes in their school that can influence organizational culture.

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