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A levels approach to student perceptions of leadership

John Garger (Metronome Computer Services, Binghamton, New York, USA)
Paul H. Jacques (Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina, USA)

International Journal of Educational Management

ISSN: 0951-354X

Article publication date: 28 March 2008

1554

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore student perceptions of instructor leader behaviors from a levels of analysis perspective. Analyses were conducted to determine if an average leadership style, a vertical dyad linkages style, or a leader‐member exchange leadership style operated within the college context.

Design/methodology/approach

Students in a mid‐sized, public university completed surveys to assess perceptions of instructors' intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration leader behaviors. Within and between analysis was used to determine how leadership operates within this educational environment.

Findings

Results suggest that a leader‐member exchange relationship exists between students and instructors. For leadership to have any effect on students at the instructor level, a dedication to giving instructors the freedom to express their individual beliefs and values must be in place before students can take advantage of an instructor's unique approach to leadership.

Research/limitations/implications

Generalizability to other universities is limited due to the sample used in this study. However, the methods and information provided in this study represent a framework for assessing student perceptions of instructor leadership in any educational environment.

Originality/value

The paper explores instructor leader behaviors from a levels of analysis point of view and dicusses explanations for the LMX results.

Keywords

Citation

Garger, J. and Jacques, P.H. (2008), "A levels approach to student perceptions of leadership", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 251-258. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513540810861883

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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