Rural Leaders and Leadership Development in Pennsylvania
Posted: January 27, 2011
A research study conducted for the Center for Rural Pennsylvania entitled Rural Leaders and Leadership Development in Pennsylvania, concentrates on how rural leaders come into their positions and how they can improve upon the skills necessary to better their communities.
The study was conducted by interviewing the rural leaders with structured and un-structured questions focusing on leadership skills, career background and leadership experiences. The results were used to aid in improving the leaders’ skills which further assisted in development of rural Pennsylvania.
Based on the research results, it was found that the areas needing improvements require training and educational opportunities to gain more knowledge regarding their position (budgeting, decision-making, conflict resolution, etc.). Not only does this research benefit current rural leaders, there are also suggestions for future leaders including more formal entrepreneurial education opportunities for students through workshops and seminars in rural communities.
The study’s concluding statements included rural leaders must have socials skills, the ability to communicate and educate others to develop their skills, have vision, and be passionate about their work while maintaining balance. There were many strong propositions and considerations of how to improve rural leadership development most effectively.
Submitted by Abigail L. Miller, Research Assistant to Dr. Theodore Alter.
