Reducing Turnover Intention Among Expatriate Teachers in K-12 International Schools in China: The Roles of Leadership, Cultural Intelligence, Leader Member Exchange, and Harmonious Passion

This study examined factors influencing turnover intention among expatriate teachers in Chinese international schools, focusing on paternalistic and transformational leadership. It investigated the mediating roles of leader-member exchange (LMX) quality and harmonious passion, along with the moderating effect of leaders’ cultural intelligence. Using a quantitative approach with 773 survey responses analyzed via Structural Equation Modelling, the study found transformational leadership more impactful than paternalistic leadership. Both leadership styles reduced turnover intention through LMX and harmonious passion, with cultural intelligence enhancing transformational leadership's effect. The findings address theoretical gaps, highlighting leadership's role in cross-cultural settings and offering practical recommendations for education managers.