TDNet Discover

The purpose of this action research study is to improve transportation supervisor leadership practices to enhance school bus driver morale, job satisfaction, and retention within a public school district transportation department. The problem of practice is that transportation departments experience workforce instability, including low morale, job dissatisfaction, and turnover, and current leadership practices may not fully support workforce stability and retention. This study is guided by Leader-Member Exchange theory as the primary framework, supported by transformational leadership and perceived organizational support, which explain how leadership relationships and perceived support influence employee attitudes and retention. A qualitative action research design will be used to examine leadership practices and identify opportunities for improvement. The primary research question explores how transportation supervisor leadership practices influence school bus driver morale, job satisfaction, and retention. The setting is a public school transportation department, with participants including transportation supervisors and school bus drivers. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis of organizational materials. Data will be analyzed using thematic and content analysis to identify patterns related to leadership practices and workforce outcomes. The anticipated results are expected to inform leadership improvement strategies that strengthen supervisor-driver relationships, enhance morale and job satisfaction, and improve retention.