Student Leadership Perceptions Regarding Resilience and Self-Efficacy
Keywords:
Perceptions, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, Paula B. Atkins M.S., Richard G. Shrubb PH.D., Engagement, Lousiana Tech University, Diversity, Workforce, InterviewsAbstract
Resilience and self-efficacy are emerging issues in student-leadership literature.
As malleable skills, these concepts show potential to positively influence leadership development and appropriately prepare students for engagement with an increasingly diverse workforce and social change beyond graduation.
This qualitative study utilized open-ended interviews and directed content analysis to explore leadership perceptions of female college students
(n=6) at a regional, public university in Northwest Louisiana. The student narratives are consistent with previous research demonstrating the importance of relationship building, personal characteristics, and external influences in student leadership perceptions. Additionally, this investigation extends the research by giving specific consideration to the concepts of resilience and self-efficacy within the students’ narratives. Observations regarding differences in gender and race are also noted where appropriate.
