Leadership skill assessment: Student leadership practices inventory application in a Spanish Marketing Course

Abstract

[EN] In this research, we analysed the data collected when assessing the "leadership ability" in our University in Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (BBA) as it is becoming a strategic skill in all organizations. The objective was to measure this generic skill in students and help them to develop it. For that, we used the Student Leadership Practices Inventory (SLPI) scale. This scale is based on Five Exemplary Leadership Practices: i) Model the way; ii) Inspire a shared vision; iii) Challenge the process; iv) Enable others to act; and v) Encourage the heart. Six items measure every practice or dimension. In total, there are thirty items. We analysed 132 students who assessed themselves according to this scale, obtaining a score for every item and dimension. To determine the profile of every student, the different variables considered were "Group", "Gender", "Erasmus students" and "Working or having worked". After collecting the data, we calculated the average, standard deviation and range for every item and dimension. We also conducted a cluster analysis and obtained two different segments. Based on the results, we can propose to each student a different development plan of this soft skill depending on the segment they belong. Therefore, we do not only get general conclusions from the whole group but we can also help our students to develop the "leadership ability" in a personalized way.