Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

Spring 2020

Thesis Director

Richard L. Roberts

Thesis Committee Member

Tanya M. Willard

Thesis Committee Member

Nathan J. Wehr

Abstract

Substantial research has been done on self-efficacy as well as a growing amount of research on women in leadership. This qualitative study examined the perceived relationship between leadership development opportunities given to Panhellenic women and their perceived level of self-efficacy. Three semi-structured interviews were conducted at a regional, mid-sized institution in the Midwest with undergraduate women holding leadership positions in their respective Panhellenic organizations. The results found in this study support many of the previous findings in research in relation to the importance of leadership development and self-efficacy. Many types of leadership development opportunities emerged, from informal peer support to designated training opportunities from each organization. This research also saw the importance of mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, physiological condition and social persuasion as it relates to leadership self-efficacy. Recommendations were made for future research as well as a discussion on the implication of this research on members of these organizations and the inter/national and volunteer staff.

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