Labor Engagement in Directors of Educational Institutions: An Analysis of Sociodemographic Factors

Abstract

Objective: Currently, researching the work engagement (EL) of principals is crucial, due to its direct impact on educational quality and institutional performance. Principals with high levels of engagement not only lead more effectively, but also inspire and motivate faculty and staff, promoting a positive and collaborative work environment. In addition, understanding the factors that influence the engagement of principals allows the development of strategies and policies that strengthen their well-being and performance, which is essential to face contemporary educational challenges and ensure the success and sustainability of educational institutions. In this framework, the objective of the research was to establish the relationship between sociodemographic factors and LE in directors of educational institutions of the Chucuito Juli Local Educational Management Unit – 2023.   Methods: The research adopted a quantitative, non-experimental approach, with a cross-sectional correlational design. The population was composed of 365 directors, from whom a sample of 187 directors was randomly and stratified selected. A sociodemographic file was used to evaluate sex, age, higher education, educational level, area, type of institution, employment status, and teacher scale; and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17) questionnaire to measure the level of engagement with its strength, dedication and absorption dimensions.   Results: It is revealed that the level of LE of the principals is high since 51.3% of the investigated identify with this level, in the dimensions vigor, dedication and absorption, they also reflected a high level, which means that they are deeply committed to their role and responsibilities within the educational institution. This is reflected in their high motivation, dedication and enthusiasm towards work. A director with a high level of EL not only shows a strong emotional connection to the organization's goals and values, but also inspires and motivates his or her team to achieve common goals. It is also shown that the teacher scale factor is related to the EL, since adequate remuneration increases employee commitment by providing greater financial satisfaction and decreasing stress related to economic issues, when employees consider their compensation to be fair and competitive, they feel appreciated and motivated, which reinforces their emotional and mental bond with work.   Conclusion: The sociodemographic factors sex, age, higher education, educational level, geographical area, type of institution and employment status are not related to the EL of the directors of the educational institutions of the Chucuito Juli Local Educational Management Unit – 2023, since the p value obtained in the correlation of each factor was greater than 0.05,  The only factor that is related to the EL is the teacher scale, since the p-value obtained is lower than the proposed significance level (0.04<0.05).