Leadership characteristics, functions, incentives, inhibitors, and development experiences as perceived by selected home economists
Goodwin, Elaine Frances
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/20982
Description
Title
Leadership characteristics, functions, incentives, inhibitors, and development experiences as perceived by selected home economists
Author(s)
Goodwin, Elaine Frances
Issue Date
1991
Department of Study
Education
Discipline
Education
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ed.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Education, Home Economics
Language
eng
Abstract
The importance of leadership development in the profession of home economics ranks as a high priority. The American Home Economics Association discussed leadership development at the 1989 Strategic Planning Conference, appointed a national Leadership Development Committee, and has planned workshops and conferences on this topic. Journal articles indicate high interest and recognition is given to outstanding leaders.
"The descriptive study compiled demographic data regarding the 125 recognized ""Leaders"" of the American Home Economics Association from 1984 through 1989 and investigated their perceptions regarding leadership characteristics, functions, incentives, inhibitors, and developmental experiences. Based on a review of literature, a questionnaire was developed to answer the research questions. Respondents indicated relative importance of various criteria using a Likert scale."
Data were tabulated and analyzed from the population which provided a 91% response rate. Respondents included 96% female; 53% married; 13% divorced or widowed; 34% never married; 58% had no children; 90% had a mentor; 73% had a doctoral degree.
Means, standard deviations, and percentages were compiled on the five major research topics on which perceptions were requested. The three most essential characteristics in leadership development identified were knowledgeable, communicative, and committed. The three most important leadership behaviors were motivating others, inspiring others, and developing clear goals. Incentives stimulating leadership development included desire to make a worthwhile contribution to society, desire to make a worthwhile contribution to the home economics profession, and opportunity to work with other capable professionals. Factors inhibiting leadership development were lack of vision and dedication to the profession, lack of personal motivation, and lack of time due to career and family. Experiences contributing most to leadership growth were committee/officer responsibilities, continued desire for self-development, and involvement in professional organizations.
This study has implications for the profession of home economics, its professional organization, and individual home economists. Educational sessions and curriculum can be planned to promote leadership development activities. Leadership development is of extreme importance and can be accomplished in numerous ways when a positive approach is followed.
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