| This quantitative study explored the similarities and differences of how Executives (age 39 and older) and Young Professionals (age 38 and younger) perceived leader qualities. From 27 various leader qualities, both groups arrived at the same most desirable leader qualities (communication, integrity and adaptability) and perceived the same least desirable leader qualities (controlling, reserved and risk-avoiding). In addition, both groups strongly believed that leader behaviors influence their perceptions of leader qualities. Yet, although both groups held viewpoints in common, results from this study also demonstrated that there were statistically significant differences in perceptions of certain leader qualities between Executives and Young Professionals. Specifically, when perceiving desirable leader qualities, Young Professionals value communication, pragmatism and ambition higher than Executives. The study also found statistically significant differences in perceptions with other demographic groups (gender and age), individuals with different learning experiences (participation in leadership development programs and educational attainment levels) and individuals with different personality types (extroverted and introverted). Recommendations to address these differences in perceptions between Executives and Young Professionals include emphasizing communication skills in leadership development programs (which should also strive toward authentic understanding of the perceptions and languages of each other) as well as implementing meaningful mentoring and peer coaching programs (which should also acknowledge the importance of leader behaviors in modeling the way for followers to realize their organization's visions). |
