20th Annual Student Research Conference
Social Science
A Question of Efficacy: Examining the Relationship Between Presidents and Their Organizations at Truman State University
Maria A. Spilker
Dr. Karen Vittengl, Faculty Mentor
This project assessed the relationship between perceived efficacy of the president of an undergraduate organization and the perceived effectiveness of the organization. After examining research on for-profit businesses and gathering personal experiences from students and faculty, I considered seven leadership attributes and eight organization characteristics via a survey given to the president and approximately three active members of each responding organization (N=21). Each organization was chartered in the Center for Student Involvement at Truman prior to 2001, had membership exceeding 20, and had an executive body. Each active member was a member for a year or longer and in good-standing with the organization. The leadership attributes were: teacher, committed/loyal, fair-minded/mediator, growth-oriented, relationship-oriented, self-evaluating, and spokesperson. The organization characteristics were: defined purpose, shared values, common goals, efficient procedures, cohesive team, growth-oriented, mechanisms for feedback, and strong leadership. I found significant relationships between teacher, mediator, growth-oriented, relationship-oriented, and spokesperson and organization effectiveness.
Keywords: Leadership, Efficacy, Undergraduate, Organization, Effectiveness
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 48-3
Location: VH 1010
Time: 1:45 pm