Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: Contemporary Practices and Their Influence in Sculpting the Aspirations of Emerging Change Agents in Baliwag, Bulacan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18168296Keywords:
Contemporary Leadership Practices, Emerging Change Agents. Leadership Aspirations, 21st Century Leadership, Transformational Leadership and Student Leadership DevelopmentAbstract
Leadership in the 21st century has evolved beyond traditional hierarchical and authority-based models, emphasizing collaboration, inclusivity, empowerment, and human-centered development. Recognizing the need to prepare future leaders capable of addressing complex social, academic, and community challenges, this study investigates the influence of contemporary leadership practices on the aspirations of emerging change agents in Baliwag, Bulacan. The research specifically focuses on students enrolled in the School of Business and Accountancy at Baliwag, Bulacan, who have been exposed to leadership-related academic and co-curricular experiences. Grounded in the 21st Century Leadership Framework and Transformational Leadership Theory, the study examines how modern leadership practices—including critical thinking, collaborative communication, creativity and innovation, ethical leadership, digital literacy, and emotional intelligence, shape students’ leadership ambitions, motivation, and capacity to contribute to community development and social initiatives.
A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected through a structured survey administered via Google Forms. Using purposive sampling, 127 students with sufficient exposure to leadership activities were selected to ensure the relevance and reliability of the findings. Descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and weighted mean, were used to summarize participants’ responses on contemporary leadership practices and their aspirations. Inferential statistical techniques, such as correlation analysis and comparative tests, were applied to determine the relationship between leadership practices and aspirations and to examine differences across demographic groups.
The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the ways modern leadership approaches can cultivate the mindset, skills, and motivation of young leaders. By identifying the leadership practices that most significantly influence students’ aspirations, the research offers guidance for educational institutions, faculty members, and community programs in designing targeted interventions to strengthen leadership development. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of fostering visionary, socially responsible, and empowered emerging leaders capable of driving innovation, inspiring others, and contributing meaningfully to the sustainable development of Baliwag, Bulacan, and similar communities in the 21st century.
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