The relationship between interpersonal competence, participation in student government, and the learning goals of a university

• Main Author: Lehr, Gregory Rahn
• Format: Others
• Published: Scholarly Commons 2002
• Subjects: School administration; Education; Interpersonal competence; Learning goals; Student government; University
• Online Access: https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/2549; https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3548&context=uop_etds

The development of interpersonal competence cannot be underestimated for college students. Indeed, it could be the single, most important element that a student can develop. Equipped with interpersonal competence, a student is able to solve problems, lead a group to achieve a common task, and interact successfully in social environments and sensitive situations. In essence, a student has the ability to develop into a productive worker and citizen. Without it, a student may literally fail no matter how valid the student's endeavor or how sincere the effort. The primary purpose of this study was to examine if participation in student government at University of the Pacific (UOP) influences the development of interpersonal competence. Research on interpersonal competence was examined. Skills related to interpersonal competence were clustered together in themes, forming four different scales: Communication Scale, Perceptual Scale, Relational Scale, and Goal Achievement Scale. In conjunction with this literature-based research, studies were completed using student survey instruments, assessing those who participated in student government at UOP over a six-year period. Nine areas of statistical significance were found within the four scales. The data clearly exhibit that participation in student government at UOP positively influences students' interpersonal competence, and that the student government is successfully achieving its anticipated learning outcomes. The student government leadership program is a place where participants gain valuable skill-building traits and significant learning.