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Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9249-0662

AccessType

Open Access Dissertation

Document Type

dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Program

School Psychology

Year Degree Awarded

2021

Month Degree Awarded

May

First Advisor

John Hintze

Second Advisor

Sara Whitcomb

Third Advisor

Rebecca Woodland

Fourth Advisor

Anthony Paik

Subject Categories

School Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between organizational health and advice seeking behavior of school staff around students exhibiting social, emotional, or behavioral concerns. School staff are front line responders to mental/behavioral health issues and it would benefit schools to better understand the organizational factors that influence advice seeking behavior and the affect that school climate amongst teachers has on student behavior. This study investigated the climates and communication patterns of two urban elementary schools. Social network analysis was used to visualize and analyze both schools’ respective networks. School staff completed the Organizational Health Inventory as well as provided data regarding which staff members they have sought out and received helpful advice in regards to students social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Findings suggest that high levels of organizational health were associated with frequent advice seeking behavior. Individuals were more likely to reach out to staff who had longer tenure, held administrative positions, and those working closely together (e.g., grade level). Implications include creating system norms and overcoming other barriers to enhance advice seeking behavior among staff.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/22148585.0

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