Date of Award

11-19-2008

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Communication

First Advisor

Pamela Kalbfleisch

Abstract

It is the aim of this study to increase available literature regarding leadership by identifying the most common perceptions of college students about leadership and relationships. With increased understanding of the perceptions of college student regarding leadership and relationships in comparison to definitions of leadership and relationships in current literature Will come improvements in communication strategies that aid in the training of future leaders in the organizational environment. College students at the University of North Dakota were interviewed about their perceptions of leadership and relationships using the focus group method. Qualitative analysis was used to discover common themes among these perceptions. Seven major themes emerged and the data were then further delineated into sub-themes for each category. Trends in the data suggest student perceptions of leadership do not reflect current thinking about leadership and relationships. Organizations need to reexamine how they train potential employees. Mentoring programs that teach leadership from the top of the management ladder down to the lowest rung produce consistent results. Deming's 14 Points are presented as a guide for implementing principles of quality improvement within organizations. This training must reflect reality and current literature on the nature of leadership, and avoid erroneous assumptions that create confusion and distract from the building of healthy relationships and foundations for effective leadership.

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