THE MEDIATING Effect of Role Stress on Leadership Behavior and Organizational Commitment: An Explanatory Sequential DESIGN

Abstract

This study examines the mediating effect of role stress on the relationship between leadership behavior and organizational commitment among tertiary school instructors in Region XI using an explanatory sequential design. Initially, quantitative data from 300 instructors in public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region XI was collected and analyzed.  Statistical analyses included mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, and the Sobel z-test. Findings reveal high levels of leadership behavior and organizational commitment among instructors. Significant relationships were found between leadership behavior and organizational commitment, leadership behavior and role stress, and role stress and organizational commitment. The study concludes that leadership behavior significantly affects organizational commitment, with role stress acting as a mediator. Based on the results, leadership behavior can reduce role stress, thereby enhancing organizational commitment. Additionally, data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 17 participants, selected from the quantitative respondents, were combined with the quantitative findings of the study. The participants validated the relationships and roles of the variables within the mediation model. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data also highlighted key themes that generally supported the mediation model and its specifics. Ultimately, the data integration process was characterized as connecting-confirmation.