Distance in schools: the influence of psychological and structural distance from management on teachers’ trust in management, organisational commitment, and organisational citizenship behaviour

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between teachers’ perceived psychological distance and structural distance from management and teachers’ affective organisational commitment (AOC) and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB). Teachers’ trust in management was expected to mediate these relationships. Furthermore, the adequacy and openness of communication and participation in decision making were expected to reduce psychological distance. At 10 Dutch schools for vocational education and training, 884 teachers completed a questionnaire. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Teachers’ psychological distance had a negative effect on trust in management (supervisor and higher management) and AOC. Trust in management had a positive effect on AOC, and trust in the supervisor had a positive effect on OCB. Structural distance did not influence teacher outcomes. Communication and participation in decision making reduced teachers’ psychological distance from management. The discussion focuses on the implications of the findings to improve the effectiveness of schools.