Student government leadership development in the new normal: a qualitative inquiry

Abstract

Student government leadership development and the development of an efficient student-administration relationship are vital for the institution's organization and foundation. Due to the emergence of COVID-19, students' leadership has shifted, affecting the development status of student leaders. Therefore, this phenomenological study aimed to unveil the leadership development of student government leaders in the context of the new normal. We conducted qualitative research and interviewed fourteen (14) participants, seven (7) of whom participated in in-depth interviews and seven (7) participants who participated in focus group discussions. The results revealed that the experiences of student government leaders in the new normal include utilizing online platforms, poor internet connectivity, difficulty in communication, and inability to manage one's time. The strategies considered by student leaders to deal with the various leadership-related challenges are attending webinars/online training, turning challenges into new learning opportunities, being virtually available, practicing open communication with officers, playing teamwork, and self-empowerment. In addition, the significant insights the student leaders shared with others are to be responsible, open, optimistic, reflective, and serve with passion. These are the insights they can share as student leaders amidst the new normal. The study's findings presented assistance to student leaders in discovering efficient and effective solutions to an emerging problem.