| Abstract [eng] |
This master’s thesis examines the relationship between employee engagement and their readiness to participate in the strategic management of educational organizations. In today’s rapidly changing labor market and society, employee engagement is a crucial factor for the long-term success of organizations. Engaged employees are more motivated, proactive, and willing to contribute to organizational goals, adapt effectively to changes, and foster a positive work culture. The aim of the research is to examine the theoretical concepts of employee engagement in work and strategic organizational management, to investigate aspects of employee engagement in educational organizations, and to determine whether this engagement is associated with their readiness to actively participate in strategic management processes. The research problem addresses the question: does engagement in work influence readiness to participate in strategic management? Based on theoretical and empirical insights, the study examines dimensions of engagement - emotional, cognitive, and physical—and their influence on employees’ readiness to participate in strategic management processes, such as environmental analysis, strategy creation, implementation, evaluation, and control. The research methodology combines theoretical analysis with an empirical survey involving 225 educational employees from the Akmenė district municipality. The data were analyzed using quantitative methods, including correlation and regression analysis. The study revealed that educational employees in Akmenė district municipalities exhibit a high level of work engagement, particularly cognitive and physical engagement. Work engagement significantly impacts their readiness to participate in the strategic management of the organization. The findings indicate that emotional and cognitive engagement are strong predictors of employees’ readiness to contribute to strategic management, while physical engagement plays a lesser role. This research is significant in filling the literature gap regarding the impact of employee engagement on strategic management, particularly in educational organizations. Its insights provide valuable recommendations for strengthening employee involvement, enhancing cognitive and emotional engagement, and building an organizational culture that supports strategic management.This study is significant in addressing the literature gap regarding the impact of employee engagement on strategic management, particularly in educational organizations. Its insights recommend creating a supportive environment, recognizing and valuing employees' efforts, providing them with greater opportunities and freedom in decision-making, encouraging participation in strategic decision-making discussions, involving employees in long-term projects, ensuring employees avoid burnout, promoting work-life balance, establishing workgroups and actively engaging employees in discussions about the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic goals, developing an effective communication system, ensuring regular feedback, and more. The thesis consists of several main parts: theoretical, methodological, empirical, and conclusions with recommendations. References and an appendix are included at the end. |
