Practicing Leader Decision-Making through a Systematic Journal Technique: A Single Case Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate a systematic approach to the teaching and learning of outdoor leadership. The focus was on practicing leader decision-making through the application of Situational Leadership, theory and a systematic journal technique. A new modification of this wilderness pedagogy was the use of individual student conferencing or “pouncing.” A single-subject experimental design was utilized with the investigator participating in an eight-day outdoor leadership course. Journal entries on leader decisions, the Expedition Leadership Styles Inventory (ELSA), and the Group Dynamics Questionnaire (GDQ) were all utilized as part of the Experiential Leadership Education (ELE) method. The ELE method was used to collect data to analyze leader decision-making over time in relation to theories presented through experiential learning activities during the course. Results showed that the trends in leadership styles conformed to Situational Leadership, theory, decision-making was practiced and reinforced through a systematic journal technique and individual student conferencing, and group dynamics were perceived as positive with decisions progressing from leader-centered to group-centered. Using a systematic journal technique helps to facilitate the teaching and learning of leadership styles and successful application in various situations over time.