Developing Community Leaders : An Impact Assessment of Ohio's Community Leadership Programs. Ohio State University Extension 1993-1995 / Garee W. Earnest and Others.

A descriptive exploratory study examined what impact community leadership development programs in Ohio had on leadership program participants' leadership skills. Data were gathered using multiple methods: face-to-face interviews, focus group interviews, and pre- and postassessments of leadership practices. The self-report questionnaire used was the Leadership Practices Inventory (Kouzes and Posner 1987). Respondents were a census of the 67 program participants, a purposeful sample of 36 alumni, and a census of the 7 program directors. Significant differences in responses on the pre- and postassessments indicated that the community leadership program participants increased their leadership skills in the following areas: challenging the process, inspiring a vision, enabling others to act, modeling the way, and encouraging the heart. Alumni indicated the following: they were more willing to challenge the status quo and take risks; they had broadened and changed their perspective of leadership roles/responsibilities within the community and were encouraging others to accept some leadership responsibility; and they had developed a greater appreciation for teamwork and collaboration. Benefits reported by alumni were as follows: increased networking within the community, greater understanding and ability to interact with people, increased self-confidence, and understanding, appreciation, and acceptance of their leadership responsibility as a citizen. (Appendixes contain a list of 16 references and instruments; specifically, Program Director interview questions, alumni focus group questions, and variables identified for focus group and face-to-face interviews.) (YLB)

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.