Mediating effect of school climate on the relationship between competitive mechanisms and teacher performance of public middle schools in Hebei province, China

With China’s rapid economic progress and social development, numerous educational reforms had been implemented, with improving teacher quality remaining a central priority. Teacher performance was widely regarded as a key determinant of educational standards and teaching effectiveness. However, despite these reforms, teacher performance continued to be a pressing concern, hindering the sustainable advancement of education. To stimulate competition and enhance motivation among teachers, Chinese public schools introduced competitive mechanisms such as performance pay, professional rank, and merit rating. These mechanisms were integral to teacher management and influenced teachers’ career trajectories, making it essential to examine their relationship with teacher performance.