Leadership Identity Development in Greek Life Organizations: Lessons Learned

This study focused on the multi-faceted process of leadership identity development through an-in dpeth analyis of the life experiences of students involved in Greek life at a mid-size researched institution in the Souther United States region. Research was conducted within the framerwork of the Leadership Identity Development (LID) model authored by Komives, Owen, Longerbem, Mainella, and Osteen (2005). Of particular interest was the degree to which the data upheld the presence of the four development influences of the LID model : 1) peer influences 2) meaningful involvement 3) reflective learning and 4) adult influence.Framed by an understanding of college student development and emerging explanatations of the process of leadership identity development, the qualitiative study examined the influence of fraternity and sorority membership on the leadership identity development of college students. The findings derived from semi-structure interviews with fraternity and sorority leaders illustrate the context and cultures in which the particapants develop an identity as an leader. In addition, the study describes the processes and experiences that facilitate or hinder development.Nominated by student affairs professionals, twelve undergraduate fraternity and sorority members at one southern U.S. research institution particapated in the study. The findings suggest organizational factors and meaningful relationships support leader identity development ofr fraternity and sorority members. The study also suggests advancing practical applications of the theoretical construct of leadership identity development. The study concludes with recommendations for program development, practice, and further research