Empowering Educators : Self-Efficacy and Psychological Safety in Driving Employee Engagement

Authors

  •   Sonia Eapen Research Scholar (Corresponding Author), Department of Organizational Development and Human Resources, GITAM School of Business, GITAM Deemed to be University, Visakhapatnam - 530 045, Andhra Pradesh ORCID logo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6302-6465
  •   Shaik Shamshuddin Assistant Professor, Department of Organizational Development and Human Resources, GITAM School of Business, GITAM Deemed to be University, Visakhapatnam - 530 045, Andhra Pradesh ORCID logo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0594-521X
  •   Shruthi J. Mayur Associate Professor, T A Pai Management Institute, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal - 576 104, Karnataka ORCID logo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1987-7526

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i7/174564

Keywords:

teacher self-efficacy; psychological safety; employee engagement in education.
JEL Classification Codes: I21, J24, M54
Publication Chronology: Paper Submission Date : September 10, 2024 ; Paper sent back for Revision : April 6, 2025 ; Paper Acceptance Date : July 5, 2025 ; Paper Published Online : July 15, 2025

Abstract

Purpose : This study aimed to capture how psychological safety (PS) and self-efficacy (SE) influenced employee engagement within the teaching profession. It further explored how these relationships varied across different demographic groups, focusing on teachers with children, varying levels of work experience, and gender differences.

Design/Methodology/Approach : The study used a quantitative survey methodology. The survey participants included 200 teachers from a major Indian city. The results were analyzed using path analysis. The research examined the influence of SE, PS, and demographic factors (gender, parental status, and work experience) on the engagement level of teachers.

Findings : The study revealed that PS consistently influenced employee engagement among teachers, while self-efficacy showed limited direct impact overall. Teachers without children experienced positive effects from both PS and SE, whereas those with children benefited primarily from PS. Across all experience levels—from 5 to over 15 years—both factors contributed positively to engagement, highlighting the value of a psychologically supportive environment. PS enhanced engagement for male teachers. However, SE did not show any significant effect.

Research Implication : This study underscored the need for tailored engagement strategies, especially gender-specific ones, to enhance teacher engagement.

Originality/Value : Educators shape India's future human capital, driving the nation's economic growth. Prioritizing the factors that enhance their performance is vital for sustaining progress and unlocking the full potential of our educational system.

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Published

2025-07-21

How to Cite

Eapen, S., Shamshuddin, S., & Mayur, S. J. (2025). Empowering Educators : Self-Efficacy and Psychological Safety in Driving Employee Engagement. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 18(7), 47–57. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i7/174564

Issue

Volume 18, Issue 7, July 2025

Section

Articles
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