The leadership and success phenomena in the student community: a sociological analysis

Abstract

This paper discusses the theoretical and empirical positions of the leadership and success phenomena in the student community. This issue represents a critical need for the leaders all around the world whose activities correspond to moral imperatives. The paper is based on the own unique survey that yields some interesting results. In particular, such qualities as honesty and reliability are the primary characteristics of leaders expressed by the students who took part in the survey. Besides, the vast majority of respondents do not consider aggressiveness as a character trait necessary for an effective leader. In the studied population of respondents, a significant group of situational leaders is singled out. These leaders occupy corresponding positions depending on the circumstances. It is established that the overwhelming majority of students are sure the leaders are not born, they are made as a result of inclusion in the transformational activity aimed at self-constructing. In general, a large segment of the students from Togliatti State University tend to self-educate themselves and are interested in the needs of other people. They appear to be benevolent, self-organized, self-confident, optimistic, selfcritical, evade the perception of negative energy and conflicts and take care of their physical and mental health. These characteristics indicate the presence of a potential and real leaders' layer in the student community of the university.