The Guardianship Journal
Abstract
The modern-day workforce is ever-changing, and so are the required leadership skill sets for employees to be successful in the workplace. University student organizations (USOs) offer students opportunities to develop their leadership skills in preparation for the workforce. The purpose of this research is to conduct an empirical study that uses distributed leadership theory (DLT) as a lens to explore how USOs influence a student's leadership capacity in the workforce. Exploring the various components of DLT (autonomy, accountability, and leadership capacity) using an empirical research method approach is plausible in understanding the unique approach USOs offer students while simultaneously preparing students for the workforce. The review of the literature (empirical research method), professional websites, and organizations exploring the intersection of USOs and their influence on student’s leadership potential in the workforce is limited yet is warranted in preparing future industry leaders. The empirical study revealed a positive correlation between students' leadership roles in USOs and the leadership skills deemed desirable by current employers. Additionally, USOs that demonstrated the use of DTL components (autonomy, accountability, and leadership capacity) expressly identified the correlation demonstrated by students when planning, managing, and organizing events in a leadership capacity (Watts & Burian, 2024).
Recommended Citation
Ebert, J. W.,
Williams, T. N.,
Major, A. K.,
Pitts, K.,
Yohman, D.,
Levit, J.,
&
Anderson, T.
(2025).
University Student Organizations: Influence on Leadership Skills in the Workforce.
The Guardianship Journal, 1(1).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7771/3066-8468.1007
Included in
Educational Leadership Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Other Education Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons