Comparison of Self-perceived Leadership Styles of Women in Higher Education and Non-education Management Positions


Book Description

The purpose of this study was to compare the self-perceived leadership styles, range and adaptability of women managers in higher education and non-education management positions. Specifically, the study sought to investigate the: (1) self-perceived leadership styles and adaptability of women managers in higher education and non-education, (2) self-perceived leadership styles and adapt ability of entry, middle, and upper level managers in higher education and non-education, (3) relationship between background and self-perceived leadership style and adapt ability, and (4) self-perceived leadership style and adaptability of the sample compared to the normed group of managers. The sample consisted of a systematically selected population of 185 women managers in higher education and 185 women managers in non-education positions. Each was mailed two questionnaires asking for biographical data and self-perceived leadership behavior data. The Leader Effectiveness and Adaptability Description developed by Hersey and Blanchard (1973) and Demographic Questionnaire developed by the researcher were used. Usable participant responses were obtained from 69 percent of the sample population. Analysis of variance was used to assess the difference between self-perceived leadership style and adaptability of groups using occupational background and using management level as independent variables. Chi-square crosstabulations were used to assess differences between groups in the sample and develop a profile of the woman manager in Oregon. Pearson Product-Moment Coefficient of Correlation was used to correlate styles and adaptability with age and years of experience. Analysis revealed a significant difference at the .05 level between managers in higher education and noneducation in Style 4 (low relationship, low task; delegating). Pearson Product Moment formula showed a correlation with age and style and with years of experience and adapt ability. Cross-tabulations indicated leadership training had an effect on management level for managers in higher education. There were no significant differences in the sample of women managers and managers in the normed group. Occupational background and leadership training significantly affected the self-perceived leadership styles of women managers. Managers in higher education indicated more formal education, formal leadership training and had more job responsibilities. Managers in non-education were generally younger, more likely to be in an entry level position, and had more responsibility for teaching. The sample population fell within the "average" range for self-perceived leadership style and adaptability with an overall style profile similar to managers in the normed group.













Gender Differences in Leadership Style


Book Description

This study examines gender differences in leadership style and the influence of these differences on perceived leader effectiveness in higher education. Leadership style is defined in gendered terms, which include traditionally agentic styles for men and communal styles for women, and therefore transformational and transactional leadership styles are closely examined. Data were gathered from a two-stage national survey of college presidents and their senior-level leaders, faculty, and administrators from over 200 postsecondary institutions in the United States to analyze these differences in leadership style and leader effectiveness. Multiple block regression analyses demonstrate that gender has a mild correlation with perceived effectiveness, with female presidents being slightly more likely to be perceived as effective leaders. In addition, transformational leadership, which is often connected with communal leadership behaviors, is highly correlated with leader effectiveness. These findings are consistent with the literature in that transformational leaders that exert communal and relational leadership behaviors are usually viewed as more effective leaders than their transactional counterparts that enact agentic behaviors. Finally, institutional context also has a strong relationship with perceived effectiveness for both leaders and subordinates. The research results have implications for transformational leadership training, mentoring, fostering female leadership, and improving institutional context.







Self-perceptions of Leadership Skills & Attitudes of College Sophomore Student Leaders


Book Description

The purpose of this study was to assess the self-perceptions of leadership skill development and attitudes of experienced collegiate sophomore student leaders who elected to take an undergraduate collegiate leadership course. Leadership attitude, for the purpose of this study, consisted of one's group or leader orientation. The five leadership skills studied were working in groups, positional leadership, communication, decision-making, and understanding self. A post-then methodology was utilized with self-reporting as the process by which data was collected following completion of an academic leadership course. The major findings of this study were as follows: After the semester course, there were no significant differences among sophomore student leaders regarding their attitude toward the construct leadership orientation and their attitude toward the construct group orientation. In addition, the sophomore student leaders who completed the academic leadership course displayed a self-perceived increase in their ability to work in groups, work in positions of leadership, communicate, make decisions, and in their awareness of self. No relationship was found between the self-reported attitudes on leader or group orientation of sophomore student leaders with the amount of high school leadership courses that were completed. No statistically significant relationship was found between the self-reported attitudes on group orientation of sophomore student leaders and the amount of leadership activities in which the subjects participated in high school. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between the self-reported attitudes on leader orientation of sophomore student leaders and the amount of leadership activity participation in high school. No statistically significant relationship was found between the post-class self-perceptions of the leadership skills of sophomore student leaders and their high school leadership education. A statistically significant relationship was found between the self-perceived communication skills of sophomore student leaders and the amount of leadership activities completed in high school. The more high school leadership activities in which students participated, the less confidence the students perceived in their communication skills. Statistical analysis failed to reveal a relationship between an attitude of group orientation and any one type of leadership skill.







From Letters to Leaders


Book Description

From Letters to Leaders offers practical strategies to address the problems that fraternity/sorority leaders, athletic teams, and other students organizations will face on college campuses today. This includes current issues such as hazing, sexual assaults, alcohol/drug abuse, mental health, diversity/equity/inclusion, self-worth, healthy masculinity, healthy relationships, as well as building the confidence and courage needed to bring change to your college campus. Whether you are interested in joining a fraternity/sorority as a new member, you are a seasoned member of the organization in a leadership role, you are an alumnus looking to mentor students, or you are a student affairs professional that is currently advising student organizations, this book provides a fresh look at some of the problems and the solutions to ensure a stronger future for fraternities and sororities while also protecting our members and our guests. This was written by a collection of educators in practice who work directly with fraternity and sorority members, national organizations, professional speakers, and campus leaders. The book presents an extensive selection of effective prevention-based practices, as well as relevant and timely topics, that all stakeholders-both on and off campus-can use immediately. These lessons learned within student organizations today will be extremely beneficial to the students as they graduate and enter the workforce. REVIEWS OF OUR BOOK: "Greek University's From Letters to Leaders is not afraid to take a deep dive into the issues fraternity and sorority members have to deal with in college, and how those issues can affect life beyond college. This book provides a holistic view of real, gritty and sometimes scary and uncomfortable experiences. They provide insight on how chapter members, advisors, and professional fraternity/sorority and student affairs staff can help members turn their fraternal experiences into leadership know-how. This book should be required reading for all those involved in Greek life." - Kim Bullington, Ph.D. Chief Departmental Advisor and Programs Manager Old Dominion University "I think you have a real winner with this book. It calls for fraternity and sorority leaders to look deeper into their experiences and practices of the day. The lessons within the chapters are easily applicable to the entire FSL process and will strengthen the experience for all members. In addition, the book tackles real issues facing this generation of students and how to overcome these barriers for a successful FSL experience. The book is clever and provides tangible leadership skills for any undergraduate FSL student." - Michael A. Smith Assistant Dean for Student Engagement Newberry College "The personal narratives and perspectives in this text can help chapter leaders discover new ways of thinking to develop themselves and their organization around issues that directly matter. This text can assist in making us better people as brothers and sisters to show up as authentically as possible and thrive." - Dr. Pietro Sasso Faculty Research Fellow Penn State Piazza Center for Fraternity & Sorority Research and Reform "From Letters to Leaders is a sensational combination of personal stories and expertise on a wide range of topics while believing fraternity and sorority can be the place for all things good. The talented contributors dish on the real deal of complex issues facing students and give ideas and inspiration for how to make it better." - Emily Rose Jacobsen Associate Director of Harm Reduction Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity, Inc. CONTRIBUTORS: Cassie Firebaugh, Edson O'Neale, Greg Vogt, Hank Nuwer, Jamie Devin Wilson, Dr. Jason Meriwether, Joseph Thompson, Dr. Louis Profeta, Melissa Lewis, Robert Wilson, Tish Norman, Tricia Benitez, and Michael Ayalon. ORDER YOUR COPY NOW!