Exploring Leadership Challenges and Ideal Followership of University Student Organizations

Abstract

Student leadership is undoubtedly an early steppingstone in developing leadership skills in individual and university student organizations that provide such platforms. Existing literature has extensively identified various character traits that young student leaders develop through leading these organizations. However, not much is discussed about the leadership challenges they face in managing these groups. At the same time, the members are self-motivated to join these groups and receive no monetary remunerations for their services. Literature exists on the reasons for joining these groups, but not much on the views of leaders and the leadership process of the organizations. This research aims to fill that gap by exploring the challenges faced by student leaders and members' attitudes towards student leadership. The research was conducted among students at a selected university in Pune, India. The respondents were part of various semi-formal student groups (approved by the university authorities) where they shared an informal relationship as leaders and followers. A questionnaire was given out to leaders and followers, which contained different questions but tried to understand various common aspects from their respective viewpoints. Data analysis reveals that the significant challenges faced by leaders are: i) members' ignorance to follow instruction/command, ii) higher preference to personal likes and dislikes, iii) carelessness on the member’s part, and iv) the anger issue. At the same time, followers seem to have a positive and respectful attitude towards student leadership, implying that although student organizations are a voluntary workforce, an ideal member is to behave professionally. The findings were paradoxical, implying that while the members know the character traits of an ideal voluntary follower, they are not the ideal follower.