Date of Award

11-20-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Mike Hazel

Second Advisor

Dr. Michael Poutiatine

Abstract

In order to fully understand the development of leadership within an organization, it is important to first understand the members or “networks” that exist within the group (Shankman & Allen, 2008, p. 6). In the case of understanding the student-leadership dynamic at Gonzaga University, one must understand the current students. The majority of students at Gonzaga University are students born in the late ‘80s to very early ‘90s, and it will become clear from the conclusions drawn from this study that they have a different idea of what it means to be a leader and a participating member of the Gonzaga community than did the generations that came before them. To effectively prepare each class for life, post graduation, it is important for Higher Education personnel to understand this new generation and how they relate to and communicate with the world. Each graduating class entering the work force takes on the role of recreating the social norm as it relates to their experiences and upbringing. Their values and priorities are unique to their generation and the way in which they see their leadership identity. This study reviews relevant literature, then compares that literature to data collected from Gonzaga University’s Community of Leaders to assess their leadership development and values as it relates to preceding generations.

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