The relationship between training and leadership self-perception of selected Hispanic University students

Abstract

The purpose of the study was two-fold. First, the study sought the relationship between formal leadership training and leadership perceptions of Hispanic University students in two of five selected leadership behaviors. Secondly, the researcher examined past leadership experience and the number of generations a student's family have lived in the United States to determine the affect on the self-perceptions of leadership behavior. The target population for this study consisted of Hispanic student organization members at Texas A&M University. The selected sample consisted of Hispanic University students who were members of the Committee for the Advancement of Mexican-American Culture on the Texas A&M University campus during the fall semester of 2001. 13 students participated in Part One of this study, and 28 participated in Part Two. A pretest/posttest design was used for Part One of this study, and a correlational design was used for Part Two of this study. The researcher used the Student Leadership Practices Inventory (S-LPI) for both parts of this study, which measured the students' self-perceived leadership behavior. The S-LPI consisted of 30 statements describing leadership behaviors in five areas. Responses were based on a five-point Likert-type scale. The results of this study concluded that a one-time, formal leadership training session on selected leadership behaviors had no significant influence on Hispanic students' self-perceptions of their ability to challenge the process and enable others to act. Furthermore, it was discovered that there was no difference between the number of generations Hispanic students' families have lived in the United States and students' leadership perceptions. However, it was discovered that the more extensive experience students had in leadership courses and activities, the stronger their perceived ability of modeling the way. As a result of this study it was recommended that further study be done comparing Hispanic organizations to other organization members who are of other ethnicities to better understand the influence of one's culture on their leadership behaviors. It was also recommended that higher-intensity leadership training be delivered in order to influence leadership behavior.