Katie Elizabeth Mills and Jacklyn Bruce
This study seeks to understand one facet of leadership development among the newest members of a Greek Letter community at a southern university. New Members (NMs) of the Greek…
Abstract
This study seeks to understand one facet of leadership development among the newest members of a Greek Letter community at a southern university. New Members (NMs) of the Greek Community at North Carolina State University were administered the Socially Responsible Leadership Survey (SRLS Guidebook, 2005) during the Fall, 2011. Results indicate this population perceived themselves as open to and able to commit to organizations while not being as comfortable with the idea of change. However, it should be noted that none of the constructs measured in the neutral or negative range. Results of this study could be used to assist in driving the mandatory programming provided by North Carolina State University’s Administration and Greek Life staff in an effort to create more purposeful and directed programming.
Jessica Anderson, Jacklyn Bruce and Lauren Mouton
The purposes of this qualitative study were to determine the contribution of 4-H experiences to leadership life skill development of college-level 4-H alumni and to determine the…
Abstract
The purposes of this qualitative study were to determine the contribution of 4-H experiences to leadership life skill development of college-level 4-H alumni and to determine the effect of those skills on collegiate alumni’s desire to continue involvement in 4-H. The research methods included semi-structured interviews. Major findings of the study noted that the interviewees’ 4-H experiences positively contributed to leadership life skill development, closely following the pattern of the four essential elements which serve as the foundation of 4-H programming. Also identified was a strong desire of college-level 4-H alumni to continue their participation with 4-H. Recommendations include specifically targeting this generation of alumni for greater utilization because of their strong desire to stay connected.
Jacklyn A. Bruce, Nicole S. Webster and Megan E. Sinasky
This quantitative study was completed in order to gather initial data on the leadership practices currently being employed by county level 4-H educators in a northeast state. A…
Abstract
This quantitative study was completed in order to gather initial data on the leadership practices currently being employed by county level 4-H educators in a northeast state. A survey instrument including the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI), and a demographics questionnaire, was sent to all extension 4-H educators. Findings had educators self reporting the use of transformational leadership skills fairly often while transactional skills only once in a while. Also, educators reported the moderate use of skills including role modeling and engaging others in activities; but low usage scores were reported in areas of visioning, bringing people on board, and rewarding people for successes. Recommendations include staff development opportunities that will specifically address the gaps in leadership skills.
Jacklyn A. Bruce and Kristina G. Ricketts
This study explored cooperation between members of two interdisciplinary teams of educators within the agricultural field in a northeastern state. A researcher-developed…
Abstract
This study explored cooperation between members of two interdisciplinary teams of educators within the agricultural field in a northeastern state. A researcher-developed instrument was used to explore individual perceptions regarding interdisciplinary cooperation. Using qualitative methods, the researchers intended to bring to light the thoughts, feelings and perceptions of educators regarding both the benefits and successes they had encountered, as well as the barriers they had come across during their cooperative experiences. Results indicated several areas of overlap for the disciplines. Recognized advantages included programmatic improvement, time saved, workload reduction and an increase in available resources. Barriers mentioned include time constraints, lack of awareness combined with perceived programmatic differences, and the lack of relationships and networks across disciplines. Suggestions include further research on the subject of cooperation, as well as possible combined in-service training sessions, encouraging the development of relationships through pre-service means (i.e., a combined undergraduate course) and administrator education.
Tracy S. Hoover and Jacklyn A. Bruce
What are the long term consequences associated with serving as a state FFA officer? Using a semi-structured interview format, selected state FFA officers from a twenty year time…
Abstract
What are the long term consequences associated with serving as a state FFA officer? Using a semi-structured interview format, selected state FFA officers from a twenty year time span were interviewed to assess their perceptions of and assets attributed to their experiences as a state officer. Results indicated that past state officers, regardless of when they served, noted positive leadership development, personal growth, and a heightened level of community awareness. Additionally, experiences and subsequent engagement related to their term confirmed four key features of positive adolescent development, which are, a sense of industry and competence; a sense of identity; a sense of control over one’s fate; and connectedness to others (CSR Inc, 1997).
Kristen N. Baughman and Jacklyn Bruce
The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine how college-level minority student leaders make meaning of those leadership experiences. Semi-structured interviews were…
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine how college-level minority student leaders make meaning of those leadership experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 students. Major findings noted a strong personal motivation to participate in student leadership positions. Further research on the impact of familial relationships on leadership development is recommended.
Kristen N. Baughman and Jacklyn Bruce
The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the self-perceived proficiency level of Commissioners of Agriculture in six leadership skill areas. Major findings noted…
Abstract
The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the self-perceived proficiency level of Commissioners of Agriculture in six leadership skill areas. Major findings noted their proficiency in these areas. Researchers recommend providing professional development opportunities and software training for Commissioners at their annual conference.
Justin Harris, Jacklyn Bruce and David Jones
The purpose of this study was to understand the types of texts currently being used and recommended within the field of leadership education. Data triangulation methods were used…
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand the types of texts currently being used and recommended within the field of leadership education. Data triangulation methods were used to identify academic and popular texts for a content analysis. Themes emerged relating to context, writing style, method, and content.
Jacklyn Bruce and Kristina Ricketts
The purpose of this qualitative study was to evaluate if the environment of the National FFA Organization’s Nominating Committee training fosters transfer of training to the job…
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to evaluate if the environment of the National FFA Organization’s Nominating Committee training fosters transfer of training to the job they are required to perform, selecting National FFA Officers. Nominating Committee members, advisors, National FFA staff, and National Officer candidates participated in the study. The research methods included semi-structured focus group interviews, document analysis, and a short survey. Major findings of the study noted that most areas of the training environment encourage transfer; however, some facets of the environment could be improved to promote training transfer. Recommendations include offering pre-convention training materials in a variety of formats, widening the opportunities for pre-convention meetings to accommodate schedules, continuing to allow Nominating Committee members to set their own cultural norms, and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the adult consultants with respect to the selection process.