(199) An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Student Pharmacist Perspectives on Leadership

Objective : The objectives of this study were to (1) explore student pharmacists’ perceptions of characteristics and behaviors of leaders and (2) identify existing opportunities for students to observe and exhibit leadership.

Methods: Data were collected from 32 students participating in a pharmacy leadership elective. Students reflections on were analyzed using an inductive constant comparative analysis in NVivo 1.7.1 (Lumivero; Denver, CO). Text segments were coded and organized into categories based on shared conceptual relationships, with categories compared to describe a single overarching theme.

Results: Data were organized into three categories: (1) Leader Characteristics, (2) Leading Behaviors, and (3) Leadership Contexts. Leadership Contradictions as an overarching theme described findings within all categories. The theme shows that while students were able to identify leadership characteristics, they often emphasized behaviors descriptions which reflected managerial responsibilities or obtaining leadership titles. As such, there appeared to be contradictions between conceptual understanding of leadership and leadership behaviors.

Conclusions: Additional activities and experiences may be warranted to help students appreciate how leadership is defined, characterized, and importantly exhibited. Additionally, a multi-modal approach to assessment may enhance the ability to assess student perceptions of leadership, but also how it is exhibited.