JOURNAL ARTICLE

Caring Ethical Climate and Formal Ethical Climate in Schools: Which of These Promotes Motivation and Citizenship Behaviors Among Teachers?

  • Published In: Improving Schools, 2026, v. 28, n. 1. P. 147 1 of 3

  • Database: Education Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Gamliel, Reut Chen; Shapira-Lishchinsky, Orly 3 of 3

Abstract

This study investigates how perceptions of formal and caring ethical climates within Israeli elementary schools relate to teachers' organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), group organizational citizenship behavior (GOCB), social loafing (SL), and motivation. Analyzing data from 878 teachers, 50 principals, and 50 counselors across 50 schools using multilevel structural equation modeling, the research found that both formal and caring ethical climates positively correlate with GOCB, while caring ethical climate is negatively associated with SL. Principals' perceptions of ethical climate were linked to higher teacher OCB but also unexpectedly to increased SL. Additionally, teachers' perceptions of a caring ethical climate were positively related to extrinsic motivation and negatively to amotivation, with peer support and professional identification further enhancing positive behaviors. The findings suggest that school leaders should develop clear ethical frameworks combining formal rules and caring relationships to promote effective teacher engagement and reduce counterproductive behaviors.

Additional Information

  • Source:Improving Schools. 2026/03, Vol. 28, Issue 1, p147
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Psychology
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:13654802
  • DOI:10.1177/13654802251411495
  • Accession Number:192206242
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