Exploring students’ perceptions of leadership skills in higher education: An impact study of the leadership training program

Abstract

Leadership skills are a prerequisite in the 21st-century workplace in all fields. However, graduates often leave universities with a wealth of knowledge but less mastery and confidence in leadership skills. The purpose of the current study was to estimate the impact of a 20-hour leadership training program (LTP), on learning. A quasi-experimental method with non-equivalent groups, namely, an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG), were used to assess the impact of the LTP on students’ learning perceptions. The convenience sample consisted of 96 students (49 males and 47 females), and 55 students in the EG. Pre- and post-assessments were performed. In the series of t-tests, the value of the difference between the pre- and post-assessments showed a significant overall effect on the ratings, favoring the EG. The results showed that the LTP was highly effective at developing students’ leadership skills. Implications and recommendations for future research are also included.