Effects of a leadership training course on participant self-perception of leadership style effectiveness

This quasi-experimental study examined the effects of a 40-hour leadership training course, Leading People Class, on participants' (67 managers/supervisors) self-perception of leadership style effectiveness in one computer corporation employing approximately 70,500 employees. It assessed self-perception through Leader Behavior Analysis II Self, Forms A and B (LBAII). Four hypotheses were tested by comparing both the experimental and control group LBAII mean and gain scores for pretest, posttest, and one-month follow-up posttest. Leading People Class was developed to provide instructional training which would enhance leadership effectiveness by reinforcing leadership knowledge and skills identified as essential for managerial discretion. Leading People Class employed techniques of adult learning theories. The course encouraged hands-on learning through exercises, demonstrations, and corporate-related role play situations. Both small and large group activities were a part of the course, as well as individual one-on-one application of theory which was presented. The data were analyzed using one-tailed and two-tailed independent and paired t tests at the.05 significance level. Mean scores on the pretest, posttest, and follow-up posttest were compared to determine if participation in the class caused a change in scoring results. Since the experimental group's pretest scores were significantly higher than those of the control group, an analysis of experimental and control group gain scores was used to determine posttest scores while controlling for pretest differences. Findings did not support the theoretical proposition that leader's self-perception of leadership style effectiveness, as assessed by LBAII, would significantly increase following completion of Leading People Class. No significant increase in leadership style effectiveness attributable to the training course was found. From study findings, the implication is that a structured training course, based on adult learning theories, such as Leading People Class, may not be an effective training strategy for the development of self-perception of leadership style effectiveness for corporate managers/supervisors.