An investigation of the dimensions of decisional capital for novice teachers

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose and explore a conceptualization of decisional capital that is suitable for early career teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses exploratory factor analysis on a sample of early career teachers to examine a literature-derived conceptualization of decisional capital.

Findings

The factors that emerged support the literature-derived conceptualization. A subsequent confirmatory factor analysis on a second sample of early career teachers offers additional evidence for the proposed conceptualization. An exploration of the underlying factor structure comparing results across four competing models (i.e. unidimensional, correlated factors, second order, and bifactor) suggests that a second order factor explains the variance across the three proposed factors well. We conclude that this second order factor is decisional capital.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the discrete elements of decisional capital. Understanding these discrete elements is an avenue for investigation into the development of decisional capital beyond the acknowledgment that it takes time to develop.