Search results

This study of philanthropy donors in Appalachian Ohio was conducted with the purpose of understanding giving within a rural region. The research was initiated with an ultimate goal of increasing endowed assets in communities that are experiencing philanthropic poverty. The data collected from donors utilizing post-positivist qualitative research methods revealed not only donor giving rationale, but also steps community leaders can take to encourage giving communities and build philanthropic assets that will permit communities to help themselves.

This descriptive-correlational study used a census of Ohio State University Extension county directors and a random sample of county staff throughout the State of Ohio. Data were collected utilizing Bar-On’s Emotional Intelligence Quotient instrument (county directors) and Warner’s job satisfaction instrument (county staff).

The study examined the relationships between emotional intelligence of county directors, job satisfaction of county staff and several demographic characteristics. Stepwise linear regression analysis was used to measure the proportion of variance in county staff’s job satisfaction that could be explained by county directors’ emotional intelligence and demographic characteristics.

The findings suggested there is not a significant relationship between emotional intelligence of unit directors and job satisfaction of staff. The researchers concluded the level of job satisfaction of staff was not influenced by the level of emotional intelligence of unit directors. Some correlations existed between job satisfaction and selected demographic characteristics. These findings may be of interest to individuals who serve in a variety of leadership roles within organizations.

Participation in a leadership-focused study-abroad program is a highly effective way to learn about leadership, based on student responses that cite powerful leadership learning experiences. To operate effectively in the expanding global arena, current and future leaders will need the ability to deal with different cultures and languages almost on a daily basis. Leaders will need to be prepared to lead in fast-changing environments that include a multiplicity of cultures and traditions and a complex labor force. While traditional approaches to leadership education will continue to provide a firm foundation for tomorrow’s leaders, new leadership approaches will be as important, if not more so, in the global world. A leadership-focused study-abroad program offers an excellent teaching technique for preparing participants in the leadership process.