Correlation between Occupational Professionalism of Teachers and Their Fear of Loss of Dignity

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the correlation between occupational professionalism of teachers and their fear of loss of dignity. The sample for the study designed in accordance with the relational survey model is composed of 530 teachers who worked at primary schools, secondary schools and high schools in Muğla province, Turkey, and were selected through the disproportionate cluster sampling technique. The research data was gathered with the Occupational Professionalism of Teachers Scale and the Loss of Face Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis were used for analyzing the data. The data obtained shows that teachers have a high level of occupational professionalism and that they are the most professional in terms of occupational sensitivity. Occupational professionalism of teachers varies significantly by gender, type of school and seniority. On the other hand, teachers have an above-average fear of loss of dignity. Their fear of loss of dignity varies significantly by the type of school, yet shows no significant variation for gender or occupational seniority. All aspects of teachers’ occupational professionalism and their fear of loss of dignity show a low and significant correlation. It was seen that personal development and emotional labor aspects of occupational professionalism are significant precursors for teachers’ fear of loss of dignity.