Leadership Ability Research Articles

Becoming a leader for underserved patients—the importance of student run free clinics

Many students enter medical school with aspirations of expanding healthcare to underserved communities and reducing healthcare access barriers; yet they lack the leadership skills to achieve this goal. This perspective discusses the role of student-run free clinics in developing medical students’ leadership abilities—problem-solving, partnership building, planning, decision-making, and resource acquisition—to address the healthcare needs of marginalized patient populations. It also discusses how fostering leadership skills in the context of serving underserved patients also develops medical students’ structural competency and thus awareness of how inequities embedded within hierarchies and social institutions shape health outcomes. We use the example of the development of the Coachella Valley Free Clinic, a student-led and community engaged primary care clinic, to illustrate how student-run free clinics create opportunities for medical students to build leadership skills while addressing the healthcare needs of marginalized patient populations. Medical students, working alongside community health workers and federally qualified healthcare centers, devised a “pop-up” clinic model aimed at delivering care that is both culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate, thereby addressing health disparities rooted in systemic inequality. As we argue, SRFCs create real-world settings where medical students can develop their leadership skills and understanding of inequities in health ultimately contributing to the broader goal of reducing health inequities by improving healthcare access for underserved patient populations.

Embedding Islamic Values in Education: Strategies for Character Building at Madrasah Kulliyatul Mu’allimin Al-Islamiyyah Gontor

The objective of this study is to identify the strategies employed by Madrasah Kulliyatul Mu’allimin Al-Islamiyyah Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor Ponorogo in the pursuit of enhanced character education and to analyse the impact of these strategies on students’ attitudes, behaviours and achievements. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design was employed to gather data through observation, interviews, and documentation. Triangulation was conducted to ensure the validity of the data. The data were subjected to an integrated analysis using the Miles-Huberman model and Mintzberg’s 5P theory. The findings demonstrate that the madrasah effectively employs a range of strategies, including the integration of Islamic values into daily life, character-based learning models, the development of positive habits, leadership training, and the active involvement of parents and the community. The reinforcement of character education has had a beneficial impact on students, facilitating improvements in discipline, responsibility, social conduct, and both academic and non-academic achievements. Additionally, it has led to notable enhancements in leadership and collaboration abilities. This study emphasises the importance of integrating character education into all aspects of madrasah activities and highlights the value of collaboration between madrasahs, parents, and the community in fostering students with robust and autonomous character traits.

The Impact of Leadership Skills on Information Technology Project Success in Lagos State, Nigeria

The rapid expansion of the IT industry in Lagos State, Nigeria often referred to as "Africa's Silicon Valley" has revealed how crucial strong leadership is to the accomplishment of projects. Notwithstanding the extensive study on leadership styles, little is known about the precise effects of leadership skills in the IT sector, especially in Lagos' complex and rapidly expanding environment. This study fills this knowledge gap by investigating how important leadership abilities affect the results of IT projects. 206 IT professionals working for the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Data was collected through structured surveys and analyzed using quantitative techniques to evaluate the relationship between leadership skills and project success. Decision-making and adaptability are essential for navigating Lagos' unique challenges, while communication and emotional intelligence are crucial for team cohesiveness and efficient problem-solving. This study aims to evaluate the influence of leadership skills on IT project outcomes in Lagos State. The study validates the impact of leadership skills on IT project performance in Lagos State, demonstrating a significant relationship with a p-value of 0.01 at a confidence level of 95%, using regression analysis to analyse the data. The research offers valuable insights for IT professionals, organizations, and policymakers, enriching the understanding of leadership abilities needed to drive IT projects in Lagos, thereby contributing to the existing body of knowledge. These findings can guide leadership training programs and policy formulations to enhance project outcomes in Lagos' IT sector.

Assessing School Managers Occupational Stress and Coping Strategies: Their Influence on Managerial Competence

Occupational stress is a pervasive concern across various professions, significantly impacting individuals' well-being and job performance. In the educational sector, school managers, including principals, head teachers, and teachers-in-charge, face unique challenges that contribute to high levels of stress and lead to unfavorable working conditions and significant occupational stress. The study aimed to examine the level of occupational stress experienced by school managers in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, identify their coping strategies, and assess how these factors influence their managerial competence. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants who could provide the most relevant information for the study's objectives. It employed a descriptive correlational survey design to assess the relationship between occupational stress, coping strategies, and managerial competence among school managers in Guiuan. The respondents include 48 school managers from three school districts within Guiuan. Findings revealed that school managers in Guiuan experience high levels of occupational stress due to factors such as poor working environments, curriculum implementation challenges, and economic issues. Effective coping strategies identified include delegation of duties, developing close staff relationships, and practicing good time management. Furthermore, a significant majority of school managers demonstrate outstanding managerial competence, indicating strong leadership abilities despite the high levels of stress. It concluded that while school managers in Guiuan face significant occupational stress, they employ commendable coping strategies and exhibit high levels of managerial competence. The importance of addressing occupational stress and supporting school managers in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, through targeted interventions and policies aimed at enhancing their coping strategies and managerial competence.

Effect of Sport on academic performance on student-athletes of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile –Ife Osun State in 2011 and 2014 Nuga games

This study examines how participation in sports affects students' academic performance in Obafemi Awolowo University between 2011 and 2014. The study used a mixed-methods approach, analyzing both qualitative information from of student involvements in sports and quantitative data from academic records and questionnaires. The results show a positive relationship between participation in sports and academic success, indicating that students who regularly engage in physical activity have better time management, increased focus, and less stress. The study also looks at how athletics can help develop leadership and teamwork abilities, both of which are advantageous in educational environments. The findings pointed out how crucial it is to involve sports into university life in order to support students' overall development. These observations can help modify university policies around student participation and support systems, advocating for a balanced approach to academic and extracurricular activities.

Leadership ability: Labor market outcomes, organizational benefits, and talent management in the auditing profession

AbstractLeadership is considered a core competency for auditors. This study examines how auditors' leadership ability affects their labor market outcomes and audit firm performance. Using Swedish military data on qualified auditors (CPAs), we first show that auditors' leadership ability, measured at around age 18, is a strong predictor of their income and career success. However, our results also suggest that the audit labor market compensates for auditors' leadership ability at a much later stage than the general labor market. Second, we examine whether the value of leadership ability derives from higher‐quality auditing, commercial performance, or both. We find strong evidence that leadership ability enhances auditors' commercial performance and some evidence on leadership ability being associated with higher audit quality. Third, at the audit firm level, we find that auditors' leadership ability significantly benefits audit firm performance measured as client portfolio size and audit firm profitability. Finally, we investigate leadership talent attraction and retention in the auditing profession. We find that the auditing profession attracts better leadership talent than the general labor market. Although nearly a quarter of CPAs leave the profession over the sample period, there is no significant difference in leadership ability between those who stay and those who leave. Overall, our results have important practical implications for audit firms' talent management.

Collaborative conditions for teacher professional growth: the role of network intentionality and leading curriculum learning efficacy

PurposeDriven by the need to deepen understanding of the mechanisms driving teacher collaboration for enhancing teacher learning and practices, this study aims to investigate the influence of collaborative organizational conditions, network intentionality and efficacy for leading curriculum learning on teachers’ professional growth within the context of New Zealand’s Communities of Learning-Kahui Ako (CoL) policy.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs survey design collecting perceptual data from teachers within two CoLs comprising 12 schools in New Zealand. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze the relationships between collaborative organizational conditions, teachers’ network intentionality, leadership efficacy and teacher professional growth.FindingsThe findings reveal that collaborative organizational conditions significantly impact teachers’ professional growth such as their new learning and enhanced practices. Furthermore, teachers’ network intentionality and efficacy for leading curriculum learning serve as mediators, amplifying the effects of collaborative organizational conditions on teacher professional growth. Specifically, teachers who are more confident in their leadership abilities and intentionally build professional relationships are better at using collaborative opportunities to address teaching challenges and bring innovation to their schools.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by examining the interplay between organizational conditions, internal motivational drive for collaboration, and teacher professional growth within the context of CoL policy in New Zealand. It sheds light on the mechanisms driving teacher professional growth and offers insights for enhancing teacher collaboration and professional learning experiences within CoL networks.

Sustained Success: Evaluating the Enduring Effects of Leadership Training on Professional Growth

The focus of this longitudinal study is on the long-term effectiveness of leadership training modules on the professional growth of graduates, with a particular emphasis on the strategic management and leadership training modules in postgraduate management education programmes. The study aims to track a cohort of graduates over five years post-module completion, assessing their leadership skills, career progression, and their impact on organisational performance. The first phase of the study focused on the initial assessment of the ongoing influence of leadership training over time, highlighting the key areas of career progression. Data was collected at multiple time points—immediately post-completion, and at the 1, 2, and 5-year mark. This approach enables a comprehensive analysis of the trajectory of leadership development over time. The study employs quantitative methods, administering the same questionnaire annually to the same cohort of graduates. The consistent data collection allows for a robust comparative analysis across different years, providing insights into how the leadership training modules contribute to individual career progression and organisational outcomes over time. Initial findings revealed that six months after completing the module, 90% of respondents integrated the leadership concepts into their daily activities, with a 75% implementation rate. Additionally, 80% observed noticeable changes in job responsibilities, and 85% reported increased job satisfaction. One-year post-completion, 55% of the initial respondents participated in the study, with 29% engaging in further leadership development programs. All respondents perceived a significant improvement in job performance, and 41% received promotions or career advancement opportunities. Two years after completion, 29% of the original respondents remained employed at the organisation. Among them, 76% attributed their career advancements to the leadership module, and 80% felt confident in leading and managing teams. Additionally, 84% were satisfied with their overall career progression. Five years post-completion, only 13% of respondents remained employed, with 90% rating the module's long-term impact on their leadership abilities and career trajectory as significant. All these respondents had assumed leadership roles and rated their organisation's overall success positively. This research significantly contributes to understanding the sustained impact of leadership education and offers valuable implications for curriculum developers, educators, and organisational leaders, highlighting the importance of continuous investment in leadership development for long-term career and organisational success.

Leadership Development in Women STEM Students: The Interplay of Task Behaviors, Self-Efficacy, and University Training.

This study explores the relationship between task-oriented behaviors, self-efficacy, and leadership emergence in women STEM students, grounded in the context of prototypical leadership theory and self-efficacy theory. Prototypical leadership theory emphasizes the alignment of leadership behaviors with group expectations, which, in STEM fields, are often task-oriented. The research examines how task-oriented behaviors, such as planning, decision-making, and supervision, influence women's self-perception of leadership ability and their subsequent emergence as leaders. Our results show a positive relationship between task-oriented behaviors and self-efficacy and a positive relationship between self-efficacy with leader emergence, with academic experience further ngthening this link. As students' progress through their programs, engaging in more teamwork and leadership tasks, their self-efficacy enhances, leading to stronger leadership emergence. Also, we found an indirect effect from task-oriented behavior to leader emergence via self-efficacy. These findings have significant implications for fostering leadership in women, particularly in STEM. The study calls for educational programs to enhance opportunities for women to develop these behaviors early on, ensuring their growth into leadership roles in STEM fields.

Are Boards Sensitive to CEO Masculinity? The Effect of CEO Facial and Vocal Masculinity on CEO Dismissal

AbstractDrawing on evolutionary psychology theorizing, this paper examines how chief executive officer (CEO) facial and vocal masculinity – as evolved biases shaping peoples' perceptions of an individual's leadership ability – influence boards' dismissal decisions. Specifically, we theorize that boards are likely to perceive CEO facial and vocal masculinity as costly to the firm, as they signal aggression, dominance, and risk‐taking – traits that are only valued in the narrow context of conflict. Based on this reasoning, we argue that CEO facial and vocal masculinity will be positively related to CEO dismissal. Further, we develop contingency arguments which suggest that CEO facial and vocal masculinity will interact with analysts' evaluation of firm performance to jointly influence CEO dismissal. We test and find support for our predictions using a panel dataset of CEOs from S&P 1500 firms.

Pedagogical conditions for soft skills development in future officers: evidence from the National Guard of Ukraine during wartime

This study investigates the effectiveness of pedagogical conditions for developing soft skills among future officers of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) during wartime. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we examined the development of essential military leadership competencies in a 12-month pedagogical experiment at the Kyiv Institute of NGU. The study involved 132 participants divided into experimental (n=64) and control (n=68) groups, with the experimental group receiving enhanced soft skills training through specialized pedagogical interventions. Results demonstrate significant improvements in the experimental group across multiple competency areas, including communication skills (31% increase), critical thinking (23%), teamwork (31%), lifelong learning (64%), professional ethics (31%), and leadership abilities (33%). Statistical analysis using the χ2 criterion confirmed the significance of these improvements at the 0.05 level. The findings suggest that structured pedagogical interventions, particularly those integrating combat experience and mentorship approaches, can effectively enhance military officers' soft skills development. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the importance of systematic soft skills training in military education, especially during periods of active conflict. The study's implications extend beyond the Ukrainian context, offering insights for military education programs globally while highlighting the need for continued research into long-term skill retention and cross-cultural applications.

Data-Driven Agile Leadership: The Impact of Business Intelligence Solutions on Transformation Outcomes

This article examines the integration of Business Intelligence (BI) solutions in empowering leadership teams during Agile transformations within organizations. As businesses increasingly adopt Agile methodologies to enhance adaptability and efficiency, leaders face unique challenges in monitoring and steering these complex transformations. Through a multi-case study approach, we investigate how BI tools provide real-time insights into key performance indicators such as sprint velocity and team capacity, significantly enhancing leadership's ability to make informed decisions and identify bottlenecks in the Agile process. Our findings reveal that the implementation of BI solutions fosters a culture of transparency and accountability, enabling leaders to navigate the intricacies of Agile transformation more effectively. The article contributes to the growing body of literature on Agile leadership by highlighting the symbiotic relationship between data-driven decision-making and successful organizational change. We conclude that the strategic use of BI in Agile environments not only improves visibility into transformation progress but also enhances overall organizational performance in response to dynamic market demands.

Transformational Leadership and Team Synergy in Improving Communication and Collaboration in Educational Settings

This study explores the impact of transformational leadership on team synergy, communication, and collaboration in educational environments. The purpose of the research is to examine how transformational leadership enhances team dynamics by fostering trust, communication, and participatory decision-making among teachers and staff. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with school leaders, teachers, and administrative staff, complemented by participatory observation and document analysis. The results reveal that transformational leadership significantly improves collaboration by encouraging open communication and empowering team members to take initiative. Teachers reported feeling more motivated to innovate in their teaching methods and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration. However, challenges such as staff resistance and limited resources hindered the full adoption of collaborative practices in some schools. The study also highlights varying levels of team participation, which indicates that the effectiveness of transformational leadership depends on the leader's ability to engage all team members. The major conclusion of the study is that transformational leadership positively influences team synergy through enhanced trust and collaborative problem-solving. The findings provide important practical insights for educational leaders, suggesting that transformational leadership fosters a more inclusive and innovative school environment. This research contributes to the field by emphasizing the need for flexible leadership approaches that adapt to team dynamics and the critical importance of institutional support and resources to fully realize the benefits of transformational leadership in educational settings.

Skill Sets for the Hospitality Sectors: A Review

This article reviews the key skills required in the hotel industry, analyzing the importance of soft skills, technical skills, management, and leadership abilities. It also discusses the critical nature of cross-cultural competencies and language skills against the backdrop of globalization. The article emphasizes the foundational role of soft skills such as service attitude, communication, teamwork, and customer service. It points out the crucial role of technical skills like foreign language proficiency, information technology, and professional knowledge in enhancing service efficiency and market competitiveness. Management and leadership abilities, including organization, time management, and decision-making, are vital for the operational efficiency of hotels. Furthermore, the ability to engage in cross-cultural communication is essential for improving international competitiveness and customer experience. In the future, the demand for skills in the hospitality industry will be more diverse, and digital technology, multilingual competence and cross-cultural communication, the spirit of innovation and new training methods will bring greater challenges to practitioners in the hospitality industry.

Implementation of independent learning campus independent certified internship program for strengthening 21st century skills

Implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Campus Merdeka Certified Internship Program in Strengthening 21st Century Skills is a way to strengthen skills in using media information as well as career and life skills. The aim of this research is to; (1) Describe the implementation of the MBKM certified internship program in universities, (2) Describe the mastery of 21st century skills among students participating in certified internships. This research is qualitative research with an analytical study approach. The results of this research show that first, in the implementation of MBKM, the certified internship program was implemented in three areas of activity, namely marketing, finance and operations, both in banking and companies. In implementing a certified internship, there are several stages, namely conversion of 20 credits, internship activities for 18 weeks, experience in the world of work and the professional world, a series of skills, mentoring, and obtaining a certificate of recognition for the skills and experience gained. Apart from that, during the implementation of the certified internship program there is an evaluation. Evaluation is carried out by following up on reports, providing mentoring, checking recaps of internship activities, sharing lessons, and conducting a final assessment of student performance. Second, the mastery of 21st century skills by students participating in certified internships focuses on the skills of mastering the use of technology, including the use of marketplace applications, the use of Microsoft office applications, the use of e-learning systems, e-commerce, design and so on. Meanwhile, mastery of career abilities and life skills is carried out through strengthening adaptation and social abilities, productivity and accountability, and providing leadership abilities and responsibility

Femininity Is Favorable: Sexually Dimorphic Facial Features Affect Assessments of White Women's Leadership Abilities

Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions traditionally held by men. Research on role congruity and backlash has shown that aspiring women versus men leaders are more negatively evaluated when they enact agentic behaviors. We examined whether sexually dimorphic facial features, which are associated with agentic and communal trait impressions, constitute a nonverbal barrier to White women's leadership in a college setting. Manipulated masculinized versus feminized facial features elicited, respectively, higher dominance and lower warmth impressions. Aspiring women leaders with masculinized versus feminized facial features received less favorable evaluations for several leadership roles, whereas men's evaluations were unaffected by varying features. Contrasting past work, aspiring women leaders were overall more favorably evaluated. This difference related to beliefs that college-aged White women versus men are more competent, responsible, and warm. These findings provide novel evidence that feminized facial features offer a unique advantage to aspiring college-aged White women leaders.

Leading with Heart: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence for Effective 21st Century Leadership

Abstract: This article examines the importance of emotional intelligence for effective 21st century leadership. It defines emotional intelligence as having four key components - self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management - which allow leaders to connect with others, navigate social situations effectively, and make well-rounded decisions. A review of research finds strong correlations between higher emotional intelligence and stronger leadership abilities across industries, as emotionally intelligent leaders inspire higher employee engagement, make strategic choices considering both logic and emotions, and effectively develop talent through understanding others' perspectives. The article provides practical strategies for leaders to develop their emotional skills and illustrates real-world examples, arguing that focusing on emotional intelligence through self-reflection, active listening, role-playing, and soliciting regular feedback is crucial for leaders seeking to reach their full leadership potential and positively transform their organizations.

Impact of Alternative Learning Activity Program on Student Leadership Development in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics School

This study explored the impact of the alternative learning activity (ALA) program offered in the Philippine Science High School-Ilocos Region Campus toward students’ leadership abilities. A mixed-methods approach was used to conduct the study through a survey of 132 student leaders affiliated with ALA clubs in the years 2022 to 2024. The results indicated that the participants exhibited strong expertise in communication, critical thinking, character development, citizenship, diversity appreciation, global understanding, and skill development in the measured indicators, suggesting that the ALA program is effective in producing well-rounded leaders. The findings also showed that almost all dimensions of leadership qualities exhibited the strong positive relationships between indicators, indicating their significant relationship and hinting that effective leadership is multidimensional. In ALA clubs, it was found that excellent leadership practices include providing diverse learning opportunities (kataguyod), offering targeted skill training (katuwang), offering mentorship and peer support (kaagapay), provision of leadership support (kalakbay), and inclusivity enhancement (kabahagi). These are beneficial practices, not only instill skills among the members but they also promote personal development. These findings show the importance of specialized leadership training in preparation for varied leadership roles.

EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH SELF-HELP GROUPS: A PRAGMATIC ANALYSIS OF WOMEN IN BHARATPUR

The primary objective of this study is to gain deeper insights into the socioeconomic influence of women in Bharatpur, with a specific focus on those involved in Self Help Groups (SHGs). This research aims to comprehensively understand how the participation of women in SHGs has contributed to their empowerment and overall socioeconomic development. The study includes a detailed analysis and interpretation of various indicators, such as changes in income and savings levels before and after joining SHGs, as well as the growth in their confidence, leadership abilities, and knowledge acquisition. Furthermore, the literature review explores the broader socioeconomic impact on the lives of women, highlighting how involvement in SHGs has transformed their social and economic standing. Self Help Groups, as grassroots-level organizations, play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly women. By offering opportunities for collective action, skill development, and financial independence, SHGs have become instrumental in advancing the welfare of women in Bharatpur, fostering greater autonomy, economic stability, and community leadership. This research not only investigates the financial outcomes associated with SHG membership but also delves into the qualitative aspects of empowerment, such as personal growth, decision-making capacities, and the ability to influence community-level initiatives. By examining these elements, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the socioeconomic transformations that SHGs facilitate in the lives of women in Bharatpur.

Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Abilities of Head Teachers of Girls Secondary Schools in District Rahim Yar Khan

The present study aims to measure emotional intelligence level leadership abilities and find out the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership abilities of head teachers of girls' secondary school at district Rahim Yar Khan. This descriptive correlational nature study used a survey research design. Headteachers of girls’ secondary schools in the district of Rahim Yar Khan constituted the population of the study. The 96 head teachers contributed to data collection. An online questionnaire was used as a research tool for data collection. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS-22 and presented in tables and figures. The study found a significant positive correlation between the emotional intelligence and leadership abilities of secondary school head teachers at district Rahim Yar Khan. The researchers recommended that the head teachers be given proper training in emotional intelligence in order to provide them with sufficient know-how about emotional intelligence and teach them how to use it for handling and motivating the employees under their auspices. The researchers also recommended that the study be replicated in other districts and at different levels of education to pave the way for generalizing the results of studies already conducted in this regard.