The Relationship between Organizational Health Perceptions and Work-Related Behaviors of Physical Education Teachers: An Investigation of Gender Differences

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between organizational health perceptions and work-related behaviors of physical education teachers in terms of gender differences. A total of 221 physical education teachers (98 females and 123 males) working at primary and secondary education institutions in five towns of Izmir participated in this study. The Organizational Health Inventory (Akbaba, 1997), Work-Related Behaviors and Experience Pattern Scale (Gençer et al., 2010) and a questionnaire consisting of questions designed to obtain the demographic information of the physical education teachers were used in the study. Canonical correlation analysis is used to identify and measure the associations among two sets of variables. As a result of the canonical correlation analysis, sub-dimensions of organizational identity and satisfaction with life were prominent for the overall sample; environmental effectiveness and balance and mental stability for female physical education teachers; and environmental effectiveness and tendency to exert for male physical education teachers. It appeared that interaction and harmony inside and outside the school are important for both female and male physical education teachers. In addition, while it is important to maintain a balance between professional life and family life for female physical education teachers, for male physical education teachers it is important to make an effort to fulfill their work-related tasks ideally due to their responsibilities to their families.