Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2002
Abstract
This study by Dr. Judy Rashid examines the impact of conflict management training on the leadership effectiveness of college student organizational presidents. Framing student organizations as “learning laboratories,” the article highlights the prevalence of conflict in student leadership roles and the critical need for structured training to address it. Using a pretest-posttest experimental design, 60 student leaders were divided into experimental and control groups, with the experimental group receiving a 10.5-hour intervention focused on conflict styles, negotiation, and mediation. Results indicated a statistically significant increase in the use of the Integrating conflict management style—a collaborative approach associated with long-term problem-solving—among participants who received the intervention. The findings suggest that conflict management training can enhance students’ leadership capabilities, group process understanding, and confidence in resolving interpersonal conflict. Dr. Rashid advocates for expanded application of such training as a proactive strategy to support student retention, improve campus climate, and strengthen co-curricular leadership development.
Recommended Citation
Rashid, J. (2002, October). Leadership development: Conflict management for college student leaders. Conflict Management in Higher Education Report, 3(1).