A Mixed Methods Analysis of Organizational Health and Its Impact on High School Assistant Principal Burnout

Abstract

This mixed methods study analyzed the effect organizational health has on high school assistant principal burnout. The Organizational Health framework for secondary schools consists of seven dimensions: Institutional Integrity, Initiating Structure, Consideration, Principal Influence, Resource Support, Morale, and Academic Emphasis (Hoy & Feldman, 1987). The Maslach Burnout Inventory measures an individual's experience with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment within the workplace (Maslach & Jackson, 1981). Participant responses to the Organizational Health Inventory for Secondary Schools (Hoy & Feldman, 1987), the Maslach Burnout Inventory for Educators Survey (Maslach & Jackson, 1981), and the open-ended responses will collectively ascertain the assistant principal's workplace experiences. Participants were assistant principals from high schools within several independent school districts in Southeast, Texas. Through mixed methods data analysis, relationships were found within the constructs of the MBI-ES and OHI-S. The qualitative data provided themes of supporting the well-being of others, negative attitudes, and leading through crisis. Relationships, recognition, support, communication with stakeholders, self-efficacy, and mental health emerged as subthemes.