Exploring engagement theories and models to enhance teacher retention strategies

Siyamthanda Wendy Mvana

doi:10.31893/multirev.2025007

Keywords:

engagement

Kahn's theory

Schaufeli et al. model

retention

teachers

Abstract

This study thoroughly examines the two complex theories related to work engagement in the context of teacher retention. Emphasising the crucial significance of achieving a harmonious and cohesive degree of engagement, it aims to address the urgent problem of teacher attrition. The study creates a unified narrative that redefines teacher retention, especially in marginalised communities. It reframes the topic by integrating Kahn's theory of engagement with Schaufeli et al. model of work engagement. These two theoretical frameworks provide teachers with a deeper comprehension and direction in navigating the complexities of their profession, assisting them in achieving long-term commitment. This study offers both theoretical insight and practical recommendations for educational institutions and policymakers to enhance teacher retention.
References
1. Aprilia, E. D., & Katiara, O. (2020). Workplace spirituality and work engagement among high school teachers in Banda Aceh. Journal Psikologi. https://doi.org/10.14710/jp.19.1.61-71
2. Arora, R., & Adhikari, B. (2015). A study on personality as predictor of dedication component of work engagement. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2636050
3. Bakker, A. B. (2022). The social psychology of work engagement: state of the field. Career Development International, 27, 36–53. https://doi.org/10.1108/cdi-08-2021-0213
4. Barreiro, C. A., & Treglown, L. (2020). What makes an engaged employee? A facet-level approach to trait emotional intelligence as a predictor of employee
5. Bellani, E., Wahyuni, S., & Azwar, A. R. (2022). Organizational commitment among civil servant: The role of work meaningfulness. PINISI Discretion Review. https://doi.org/10.26858/pdr.v6i1.41543
6. Dewing, J., & McCormack, B. (2015). Engagement: A critique of the concept and its application to person centred care. International Practice Development Journal, 5, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.19043/ipdj.5sp.008
7. Dramanu, B. Y., Milledzi, E. Y., & Asamani, L. (2020). Psychological safety and work engagement of senior high school teachers: Moderating role of psychological
8. Eginli, I. (2021). In search of keeping good teachers: Mediators of teacher commitment to the profession. Dil Ve Dilbilimi Çalışmaları Dergisi, 17, 911–936. https://doi.org/10.17263/jlls.904088
9. engagement. Personality and Individual Differences. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.109892
10. Erwina, E. (2020). Analisis employee engagement melalui dimensi vigor, dedication dan absorption pada pt. sumber graha sejahtera di kabupaten luwu. JEMMA (Journal of Economic, Management and Accounting), 3, 173. https://doi.org/10.35914/jemma.v3i2.441
11. Fields, D., & Kafai, Y. (2023). Supporting and sustaining equitable steam activities in high school classrooms: Understanding computer science teachers’ needs and practices when implementing an e-textiles curriculum to forge connections across communities. Sustainability, 15, 8468. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118468
12. flexibility. The European Journal of Educational Sciences. https://doi.org/10.19044/ejes.v7no3a2
13. Garg, N., & Singh, P. (2020). Work engagement as a mediator between subjective well-being and work-and-health outcomes. Management Research Review, 43, 735–752. https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-03-2019-0143
14. Gozon, J. P., & Yango, A. R. (2023). Teachers’ work engagement, school performance, and teachers’ retention in selected private schools in the city schools division of Santa Rosa, Laguna. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 44, 360–383. https://doi.org/10.47577/tssj.v44i1.8922
15. Hapsari, M. T. B. (2023). Development and identification of psychometric properties work engagement. Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal, 8, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.23880/pprij-16000330
16. Haque, A., & Khan, S. I. (2023). Promoting meaningfulness in work for higher job satisfaction: Will intent to quit make trouble for business managers? Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance, 10, 455–476. https://doi.org/10.1108/joepp-02-2022-0020
17. Jonalyn, A. M., Cecilia, Q. V., & Luis, F. L. (2023). School heads’ instructional leadership behavior and teachers’ work engagement in public elementary schools. International Journal of Social Science Humanity & Management Research, 2. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2023.v2i6no19
18. Kaçay, Z., & Güngör, N. B. (2020). The effect of positive psychological capital on work engagement. Ambient Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.21276/ambi.2020.07.sp1.ta13
19. Kaur, P., & Mittal, A. (2020). Meaningfulness of work and employee engagement: The role of affective commitment. The Open Psychology Journal, 13, 115–122. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874350102013010115
20. Kuancintami, A., & Heryjanto, A. (2023). Increase employee retention: Impact work-life balance, meaningful work, and job satisfaction towards turnover intention. Journal Indonesia Sosial Sains, 4, 1099–1113. https://doi.org/10.59141/jiss.v4i11.920
21. Kuroki, M., & Shirinashihama, Y. (2022). Target difficulty, psychological capital and work engagement. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4202922
22. Kyaw, M. T. (2021). Factors influencing teacher educators’ research engagement in the reform process of teacher education institutions in Myanmar. SAGE Open. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440211061349
23. Łaba, K., & Geldenhuys, M. (2016). Psychological availability and work engagement: The moderating role of sex and race. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 26, 107–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/14330237.2016.1163888
24. Li, M. (2023). Organizational support, job satisfaction and work engagement of university teachers: Basis for teachers’ career development program. International Journal of Research Studies in Management. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2023.1081
25. Lorente, L., Salanova, M., Martínez, I. M., & Vera, M. (2014). How personal resources predict work engagement and self-rated performance among construction workers: A social cognitive perspective. International Journal of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijop.12049
26. Miksch, D., Lindeman, M. I. H., & Varghese, L. (2015). Minding the mechanisms: A discussion of how mindfulness leads to positive outcomes at work. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 8, 620–629. https://doi.org/10.1017/iop.2015.89
27. Nudque Jr, F. V. (2022). Instructional behavior, innovative teaching practices, work engagement, and self-efficacy of physical education teachers. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 5, 2971–2978. https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmra/v5-i11-02
28. Pekrun, R. (2020). Self-report is indispensable to assess students’ learning. Frontline Learning Research, 8, 185–193. https://doi.org/10.14786/flr.v8i3.637
29. Pincus, J. D. (2022). Employee engagement as human motivation: Implications for theory, methods, and practice. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 57, 1223–1255. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12124-022-09737-w
30. Raub, S., & Blunschi, S. (2013). The power of meaningful work. Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, 55, 10–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/1938965513498300
31. Rubin, J. C., & Virtue, K. A. (2023). Hope, engaged pedagogy, and educating teachers as transformative intellectuals. Teachers and Curriculum. https://doi.org/10.15663/tandc.v23i1.420
32. Rusu, P. P., & Colomeischi, A. A. (2020). Positivity ratio and well-being among teachers: The mediating role of work engagement. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01608
33. Rymarz, R., & Starkey, J. (2021). Only she can teach it! Investigating exemplary RE teachers. Journal of Religious Education, 69, 209–218. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40839-021-00136-8
34. Schaufeli, W. B. (2021). Engaging leadership: How to promote work engagement? Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.754556
35. Simbula, S., Margheritti, S., & Avanzi, L. (2023). Building work engagement in organizations: A longitudinal study combining social exchange and social identity theories. Behavioral Sciences, 13, 83. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13010083
36. Sypniewski, B. A., & Hesbol, K. A. (2013). Engaging instructional practices: Understanding student engagement in secondary science classrooms. Science Education, 97, 517–542. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21066
37. Türk, E. F., & Korkmaz, Z. (2022). Teachers’ levels of dedication and commitment to their professions and attitudes to their professions. Participatory Educational Research, 9, 1–25. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.22.101.9.5
38. Vitasari, A., & Yustina, A. I. (2023). The link between authentic leadership, work meaningfulness, and work engagement in auditors. Accounting Analysis Journal, 12, 71–83. https://doi.org/10.15294/aaj.v12i1.63238
39. Waqas, M., Hamid, K. B. A., & Adil, M. S. (2020). Impact of perceived organisational support and workplace incivility on work engagement and creative work involvement: A moderating role of creative self-efficacy. International Journal of Management Practice. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijmp.2020.10027279
40. Wei, H. (2023). Job satisfaction, work engagement and work life balance of public university teachers in Shandong Province: Basis for teachers’ human resource framework. International Journal of Research Studies in Management. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2023.1169
41. Wieneke, K. C., Egginton, J. S., Jenkins, S. M., Kruse, G. C., Lopez-Jimenez, F., Mungo, M. M., ... Limburg, P. J. (2019). Well-being champion impact on employee engagement, staff satisfaction, and employee well-being. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, 3, 106–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2019.04.001
42. Wowor, J. V., & Dewi, Y. E. P. (2022). The influence of psychological safety towards employee engagement using organizational support as intervening variable. AMAR (Andalas Management Review), 6, 32–42. https://doi.org/10.25077/amar.6.2.48-58.2022
43. Xu, J. (2023). The interplay between Chinese EFL teachers’ positive psychological capital and their work engagement. Heliyon. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13151
44. Xu, Z., & Yang, F. (2023). The dual-level effects of authentic leadership on teacher wellbeing: The mediating role of psychological availability. Personnel Review. https://doi.org/10.1108/pr-11-2021-0792

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to cite

Mvana, S. W. (2024). Exploring engagement theories and models to enhance teacher retention strategies . Multidisciplinary Reviews, 8(1), 2025007. https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2025007

[1] Aprilia, E. D., & Katiara, O. (2020). Workplace spirituality and work engagement among high school teachers in Banda Aceh. Journal Psikologi. https://doi.org/10.14710/jp.19.1.61-71

[2] Arora, R., & Adhikari, B. (2015). A study on personality as predictor of dedication component of work engagement. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2636050

[3] Bakker, A. B. (2022). The social psychology of work engagement: state of the field. Career Development International, 27, 36–53. https://doi.org/10.1108/cdi-08-2021-0213

[4] Barreiro, C. A., & Treglown, L. (2020). What makes an engaged employee? A facet-level approach to trait emotional intelligence as a predictor of employee

[5] Bellani, E., Wahyuni, S., & Azwar, A. R. (2022). Organizational commitment among civil servant: The role of work meaningfulness. PINISI Discretion Review. https://doi.org/10.26858/pdr.v6i1.41543

[6] Dewing, J., & McCormack, B. (2015). Engagement: A critique of the concept and its application to person centred care. International Practice Development Journal, 5, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.19043/ipdj.5sp.008

[7] Dramanu, B. Y., Milledzi, E. Y., & Asamani, L. (2020). Psychological safety and work engagement of senior high school teachers: Moderating role of psychological

[8] Eginli, I. (2021). In search of keeping good teachers: Mediators of teacher commitment to the profession. Dil Ve Dilbilimi Çalışmaları Dergisi, 17, 911–936. https://doi.org/10.17263/jlls.904088

[9] engagement. Personality and Individual Differences. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.109892

[10] Erwina, E. (2020). Analisis employee engagement melalui dimensi vigor, dedication dan absorption pada pt. sumber graha sejahtera di kabupaten luwu. JEMMA (Journal of Economic, Management and Accounting), 3, 173. https://doi.org/10.35914/jemma.v3i2.441

[11] Fields, D., & Kafai, Y. (2023). Supporting and sustaining equitable steam activities in high school classrooms: Understanding computer science teachers’ needs and practices when implementing an e-textiles curriculum to forge connections across communities. Sustainability, 15, 8468. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118468

[12] flexibility. The European Journal of Educational Sciences. https://doi.org/10.19044/ejes.v7no3a2

[13] Garg, N., & Singh, P. (2020). Work engagement as a mediator between subjective well-being and work-and-health outcomes. Management Research Review, 43, 735–752. https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-03-2019-0143

[14] Gozon, J. P., & Yango, A. R. (2023). Teachers’ work engagement, school performance, and teachers’ retention in selected private schools in the city schools division of Santa Rosa, Laguna. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 44, 360–383. https://doi.org/10.47577/tssj.v44i1.8922

[15] Hapsari, M. T. B. (2023). Development and identification of psychometric properties work engagement. Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal, 8, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.23880/pprij-16000330

[16] Haque, A., & Khan, S. I. (2023). Promoting meaningfulness in work for higher job satisfaction: Will intent to quit make trouble for business managers? Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance, 10, 455–476. https://doi.org/10.1108/joepp-02-2022-0020

[17] Jonalyn, A. M., Cecilia, Q. V., & Luis, F. L. (2023). School heads’ instructional leadership behavior and teachers’ work engagement in public elementary schools. International Journal of Social Science Humanity & Management Research, 2. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2023.v2i6no19

[18] Kaçay, Z., & Güngör, N. B. (2020). The effect of positive psychological capital on work engagement. Ambient Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.21276/ambi.2020.07.sp1.ta13

[19] Kaur, P., & Mittal, A. (2020). Meaningfulness of work and employee engagement: The role of affective commitment. The Open Psychology Journal, 13, 115–122. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874350102013010115

[20] Kuancintami, A., & Heryjanto, A. (2023). Increase employee retention: Impact work-life balance, meaningful work, and job satisfaction towards turnover intention. Journal Indonesia Sosial Sains, 4, 1099–1113. https://doi.org/10.59141/jiss.v4i11.920

[21] Kuroki, M., & Shirinashihama, Y. (2022). Target difficulty, psychological capital and work engagement. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4202922

[22] Kyaw, M. T. (2021). Factors influencing teacher educators’ research engagement in the reform process of teacher education institutions in Myanmar. SAGE Open. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440211061349

[23] Łaba, K., & Geldenhuys, M. (2016). Psychological availability and work engagement: The moderating role of sex and race. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 26, 107–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/14330237.2016.1163888

[24] Li, M. (2023). Organizational support, job satisfaction and work engagement of university teachers: Basis for teachers’ career development program. International Journal of Research Studies in Management. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2023.1081

[25] Lorente, L., Salanova, M., Martínez, I. M., & Vera, M. (2014). How personal resources predict work engagement and self-rated performance among construction workers: A social cognitive perspective. International Journal of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijop.12049

[26] Miksch, D., Lindeman, M. I. H., & Varghese, L. (2015). Minding the mechanisms: A discussion of how mindfulness leads to positive outcomes at work. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 8, 620–629. https://doi.org/10.1017/iop.2015.89

[27] Nudque Jr, F. V. (2022). Instructional behavior, innovative teaching practices, work engagement, and self-efficacy of physical education teachers. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 5, 2971–2978. https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmra/v5-i11-02

[28] Pekrun, R. (2020). Self-report is indispensable to assess students’ learning. Frontline Learning Research, 8, 185–193. https://doi.org/10.14786/flr.v8i3.637

[29] Pincus, J. D. (2022). Employee engagement as human motivation: Implications for theory, methods, and practice. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 57, 1223–1255. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12124-022-09737-w

[30] Raub, S., & Blunschi, S. (2013). The power of meaningful work. Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, 55, 10–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/1938965513498300

[31] Rubin, J. C., & Virtue, K. A. (2023). Hope, engaged pedagogy, and educating teachers as transformative intellectuals. Teachers and Curriculum. https://doi.org/10.15663/tandc.v23i1.420

[32] Rusu, P. P., & Colomeischi, A. A. (2020). Positivity ratio and well-being among teachers: The mediating role of work engagement. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01608

[33] Rymarz, R., & Starkey, J. (2021). Only she can teach it! Investigating exemplary RE teachers. Journal of Religious Education, 69, 209–218. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40839-021-00136-8

[34] Schaufeli, W. B. (2021). Engaging leadership: How to promote work engagement? Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.754556

[35] Simbula, S., Margheritti, S., & Avanzi, L. (2023). Building work engagement in organizations: A longitudinal study combining social exchange and social identity theories. Behavioral Sciences, 13, 83. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13010083

[36] Sypniewski, B. A., & Hesbol, K. A. (2013). Engaging instructional practices: Understanding student engagement in secondary science classrooms. Science Education, 97, 517–542. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21066

[37] Türk, E. F., & Korkmaz, Z. (2022). Teachers’ levels of dedication and commitment to their professions and attitudes to their professions. Participatory Educational Research, 9, 1–25. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.22.101.9.5

[38] Vitasari, A., & Yustina, A. I. (2023). The link between authentic leadership, work meaningfulness, and work engagement in auditors. Accounting Analysis Journal, 12, 71–83. https://doi.org/10.15294/aaj.v12i1.63238

[39] Waqas, M., Hamid, K. B. A., & Adil, M. S. (2020). Impact of perceived organisational support and workplace incivility on work engagement and creative work involvement: A moderating role of creative self-efficacy. International Journal of Management Practice. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijmp.2020.10027279

[40] Wei, H. (2023). Job satisfaction, work engagement and work life balance of public university teachers in Shandong Province: Basis for teachers’ human resource framework. International Journal of Research Studies in Management. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2023.1169

[41] Wieneke, K. C., Egginton, J. S., Jenkins, S. M., Kruse, G. C., Lopez-Jimenez, F., Mungo, M. M., ... Limburg, P. J. (2019). Well-being champion impact on employee engagement, staff satisfaction, and employee well-being. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, 3, 106–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2019.04.001

[42] Wowor, J. V., & Dewi, Y. E. P. (2022). The influence of psychological safety towards employee engagement using organizational support as intervening variable. AMAR (Andalas Management Review), 6, 32–42. https://doi.org/10.25077/amar.6.2.48-58.2022

[43] Xu, J. (2023). The interplay between Chinese EFL teachers’ positive psychological capital and their work engagement. Heliyon. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13151

[44] Xu, Z., & Yang, F. (2023). The dual-level effects of authentic leadership on teacher wellbeing: The mediating role of psychological availability. Personnel Review. https://doi.org/10.1108/pr-11-2021-0792

Abstract

References

How to cite