📄 Abstract
This study examined the relationship between leadership behavior of school heads and work engagement of teachers in selected public elementary schools in the Davao de Oro Division. A total of 166 teachers participated using adapted survey instruments. Findings revealed that school heads demonstrated a high level of leadership behavior, with very high ratings in human relations, instructional leadership, and trust and decision making, while conflict resolution was rated high. Teachers likewise exhibited a high level of work engagement, with high levels of absorption and dedication, and a moderate level of vigor. Results further showed a significant positive relationship between leadership behavior and teachers’ work engagement, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. All leadership indicators were significantly correlated with work engagement, indicating that stronger leadership practices are associated with higher teacher engagement. Regression analysis confirmed that leadership behavior significantly predicts teachers’ work engagement. Human relations, instructional leadership, trust and decision making, and school budgeting and income generation all emerged as significant predictors. Based on the findings, it is recommended that DepEd and school administrators strengthen leadership development programs focusing on human relations, instructional leadership, conflict resolution, and participatory decision-making to further enhance teachers’ work engagement, particularly their vigor and sustained motivation in teaching.
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📚 How to Cite:
Caitlin Charisse S. Oviedo , LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR OF SCHOOL HEADS AND WORK ENGAGEMENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOL ELEMENTARY TEACHERS IN DAVAO DE ORO DIVISION , Volume 13 , Issue 6, June 2026, EPRA International Journal of Environmental Economics, Commerce and Educational Management(ECEM) , Pages: 291 - 302 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra28460