Document Type
Poster Session
Department
Leadership and Organizational Studies
Faculty Mentor
Elizabeth Goryunova, PhD
Keywords
4-H, youth leadership, teen leadership, Maine 4-H, youth perceptions
Abstract
This study focuses on youth perceptions of influence on others and leadership skills they may seek to acquire, particularly within the Maine 4-H program. Understanding the relationship between the youth perception of leadership influence and the skills they seek to acquire will enable 4-H club leaders and adult mentors to better facilitate the acquisition of leadership skills. This study gains understanding from the perspective of current teen leaders in the Maine 4-H program through the use of personal interviews with active teen leaders. Findings indicate that Maine 4-H Teen Leaders do not necessarily recognize the influence they have with their peers and therefore, do not tend to seek out new leadership skills based on their perceived influence. Though some youths are interested in developing their leadership skills, being able to recognize their positive influence on others appears to be a gap in overall leadership understanding.
Open Access?
1
4-H Youth Leadership: Perceptions of Influence
This study focuses on youth perceptions of influence on others and leadership skills they may seek to acquire, particularly within the Maine 4-H program. Understanding the relationship between the youth perception of leadership influence and the skills they seek to acquire will enable 4-H club leaders and adult mentors to better facilitate the acquisition of leadership skills. This study gains understanding from the perspective of current teen leaders in the Maine 4-H program through the use of personal interviews with active teen leaders. Findings indicate that Maine 4-H Teen Leaders do not necessarily recognize the influence they have with their peers and therefore, do not tend to seek out new leadership skills based on their perceived influence. Though some youths are interested in developing their leadership skills, being able to recognize their positive influence on others appears to be a gap in overall leadership understanding.
