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Filipino student council heads’ leadership frames: a

phenomenographic inquiry

Article · January 2017

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 Filipino Student Council Heads’
Leadership Frames:
A Phenomenographic Inquiry
Jonalou SJ. Labor
College of Mass Communication, University of the Philippines
Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila, Philippines

“Colleges and universities provide fertile grounds for students

to cultivate and improve their leadership potentials.”

Introduction

T
he growth of leadership among students is perceived to be a key goal for any
academic institution. This is because colleges and universities provide fertile
grounds for students to cultivate and improve their leadership potentials
(Humphreys, 2011). Channeled via student councils in universities and colleges, higher
education institutions (HEIs) have created various forms of leadership development
strategies to instill and propagate the potentials of student leaders. The motivation
behind the roles of student councils in developing or molding the minds of the students
may vary across HEIs, but there is a perceived unison in the agenda: to provide venues
in discussing, educating, and, hopefully, transforming how leaders serve their clients
(Dugan, 2006). One may perhaps even claim that student councils are arms institution-
alizing leadership in the academic setting, since discourses of and about the creation of
leaders are situated in the way student leadership is created and communicated. It
seems that leadership and development are academically delivered with a positive
language to change the individuals and organizations, with a promise and an attempt
to mitigate academic and social ills (Astin & Astin, 2000).

Studies on student leadership inside HEIs talk about a variety of frames: Research
on ways in which leadership is perceived (Dugan & Komivcs, 2007; Hoffman & Acosta-
Orozco; 2015); how it is lived (Logue, Hutchens, & Hector, 2005); how educational

The Journal of Student Leadership · Volume 1 Issue 1 · 2017 · 25-35 25

26 The Journal of Student Leadership
institutions’ religious affiliations affect the way students exercise their potentials
(Hine, 2014); and how involvement in student organizations constitutes leadership
potentials (Haber, Allen, Facca, & Shankman, 2012). Since millennial students are also
described as digital natives, platforms in exercising their leadership styles are investigated
(Amirianzadeh, 2012). Gender difference, too, has been one of the factors accounted for
in terms of how student leadership is shaped (Dugan, 2006; Dugan & Komivcs, 2007;
Yarrish, Zula, & Davis, 2010).

Context of Current Research

There has always been a claim in the Philippines that the drive toward the
much-needed change in government will be ushered by youthful aspirations (Velasco,
2005). This has been the case for national heroes like José Rizal, who, in his 20s, helped
the country topple 300 years of Spanish rule. Insurgency movements and political
uprising in recent years have been actively participated in by college and university
students as both private and public higher education institutions formally and informally
mobilize their students to participate in activism, with the hope that exposure to such
events will unleash the potential for leadership and develop in them a sense of
nationhood. However, there is a dearth of literature documenting the characteristics
of student leadership, particularly at the HEI in the Philippines.

Given this reality, it is important to study the perceptions of Filipino student

leaders on the nature and value of leadership and development. Using the perceptions
of college student leaders from higher educational institutions in Metro Manila, this
research explored the question: What constructs of leadership are used by Filipino
student leaders at colleges and universities in Metro Manila?

Specifically, the study wanted to:

1. Describe the process of creating the discourse of leadership
from the selected leaders;
2. Identify the themes of leadership that are constructed by the
selected set of student leaders; and
3. Analyze the ways in which the leadership discourse is mediated
vis-à-vis the immediate surroundings.

Theoretical Lens
To look at the constructions of the perceptions on leadership, this study used Berger
and Luckmann’s (1991) Social Construction of Reality. The theorists begin their analysis
by arguing from the ground up for reality and knowledge. They are clear in saying
that for an investigation of what is real, there must be clear lenses to show how reality
should be seen. In this perspective, they take the stance of sociologists. For them, a
 Filipino Student Council 27
question on “reality” and “knowledge” is “justified by the facts of their social relativity”
(p. 15) Berger and Luckmann proceed by pointing out that each individual has his/her
own point of view on matters of assessing reality, the majority depending upon social
contexts and relationships. Moreover, the theory argues that an “agreed upon” world
exists as a product of similarities on the perception of concepts and situations.

In arguing further that an individual would see his reality in the context of his
experience with the world, Berger and Luckmann contended an individual’s world is
shaped by the individuals he communicates with in his day-to-day existence. In effect,
there is a sense of tabula rasa in the conception of reality. One starts empty—with
society leaving imprints as the individual progresses in his/her lifetime. Furthermore,
such a perspective offers the idea that an individual learns and values learning through
constant engagement with others. In such a situation, the individual forms his/her
reality: a reality validated by the narratives of the society to which he/she belongs.

In this study, the student leaders were asked to define how they construct leader-
ship in their own councils. Given that they already have experienced the realities of
leadership, it would be interesting to identify how they see development in their own
backyard. Moreover, the discourse of leadership and, perhaps even the problems
associated with the concepts, might arise during the construction of the concepts.

Literature Review
Nature of Perceptions
In the literature, perceptions play a great role in developing attitude, behavior,
and practices. Across cultures and societies, contexts and content, perceptions of how
leadership is portrayed, valued, presented, and lived have intrigued researchers and
practitioners of leadership. A perception is said to aid in accurately presenting objects,
property, and relations in the environment. Graham (2014) argued that for us Homo
sapiens, perception is a vision from a spatially accurate distance. Graham (2014) cited
Palmer (1999) who said that perception “gives a perceiver highly reliable information
about the locations and properties of environmental objects while they are safely
distant” (Palmer, 1999, p.6). Graham further noted that perceptions are made accurate
by how individuals see objects and properties and how these relate to the perceiver and
his/her environment. Based on these, it can be deduced that perceptions are cognitive
visions influencing people in naming objects, people, and concepts. Also implied is
that such constructions are informed by the perceivers’ social situations and realities.
This means for one to perceive a concept properly, there must be a focused and grounded
introspection derived from one’s experiences.
28 The Journal of Student Leadership
The Filipino Students’ Political Leadership
In a report by UNICEF and the Philippines’ Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG) in 2007, the Filipino youth is part of a collective body which is
slowly shaping the political sphere of the world. The report argued that training young
Filipino leaders is part of “an emerging movement worldwide to give the youth a direct
role in shaping policies and programs” (United Nations Children’s Fund, 2007, p.14).
Youth in Metro Manila today still participate in at least one socio-civic or political
organization allowing them to be involved in ethical consumerism such as donating
to the poor, buying or boycotting products based on principle, and supporting
fundraising activities. Also, the study has shown that electoral participation, too, is
valued amongst these youth as they register to vote. Fortunately, they still value their
relationship with their peers and show a deep love of country.
The Filipinos’ Socio-Cultural and Communicative Environment
Taking off from post-colonial narrations on the self, various Filipino authors have
embarked on a journey to define the Filipino sense of being from the vantage point and
experience of the local. Enriquez (1976), along with many Filipino intellectuals of the
1970s, began a journey to redefine the way the Filipino psyche had been defined. With
the purpose to undo the Western impressions about the nation, Enriquez wanted to
change the colonizers’ notions about the Philippines regarding the effort to reject the
Western model for the Filipino identity (Pe-pua & Protacio-Marcelino, 2000). Filipino
values such as shame (hiya) have been reframed: from shame to external propriety.
Research Method
Thirteen student leaders from colleges and universities in Metro Manila were
individually interviewed. Five were females and eight were males. Eight of these came from
private colleges and universities, while five studied at government-owned colleges and
universities. Interviews were conducted from July to December 2015, held at off-campus
locations selected by the students. Students told narratives of their experiences as student
leaders. They reflected on their roles as leaders, including their manner of communicating
with their peers. Interviews were audio-recorded and field notes were taken.

Thematic analysis was used to see how the student leaders constructed and
enunciated the discourse of development as leaders. The researcher looked at the
narratives from the select private and public HEIs. Open coding was used to find
themes from the data (Kandiko & Mawer, 2013). The gathered data were arranged in a
dendrogram (Drout & Smith, 2012) showing the most significant content from students
and significant statements mentioned by informants. The dendrogram was also used
in identifying categories of codes and valuable themes.
 Filipino Student Council 29

Results
Constructing the Discourse of Leadership
Findings from the interviews showed the portrayal of leadership resting on two
important concepts: the abilities of the leader and the contextual needs of the audiences.
The narratives revealed that student leaders put emphasis on how their personalities
would guide them. Attributes such as compassion, passion, discipline, enthusiasm,
responsiveness, and openness were concepts shared by the leaders. One mentioned
if a leader “knows how to go along with the direction the body [or group] wants,” a
smooth interpersonal relationship could happen. Some of them also confessed that
“attitude determines leadership” as influence is seen in such a trait. One narrated
that the attributes should be present before engagement with students; a leader can
never really know the expectations of the audience.

Interestingly, results suggested that females are guided by traits in looking

at leadership while male student leaders look at their own set of skills in their own
experiences. A common sentiment from the female leaders was that a leader must
be well liked before, during, and after service. Desirable traits are treated as part of
the skill set, too. One female leader stated that it is necessary to be nice since she is the
voice of “unwavering integrity” in the school. On the other hand, the male student
leaders mentioned that skills are necessary for exercising leadership. One mentioned
that since they are always exposed to needs and wants of students, they require
communication skills. For that leader, passion cannot guarantee leadership. Another
informant mentioned, “we have to dig deeper as student leaders are expected to have
the capacity to unite the school — hence the inevitability to use functional skills.” Also
mentioned was that student leaders have no “monopoly of great ideas, so they are in
the best position to develop the skills of others to think and be heard.” Student leaders
must identify their skill sets early on, as these skills can be sources of power. In the
words of a male student leader, “If that power enters your senses, then imagine what
these can do to your pride and leadership.”

Constructs of Leadership
Results of the interviews revealed similarities and differences on how male and
female student leaders construct their leadership on their own campuses. Three themes
of leadership emerged from the lived experiences of the heads of student councils:
leadership as a skill, as a trait, and as an opportunity to become “first among equals.”

The informants revealed that leaders equate leadership to the possession of various
skill sets. One student leader said if one knows how to “manage time and possess
managerial skills,” one could easily function well. Also, leadership skills such as one’s
30 The Journal of Student Leadership
ability to prioritize others more than oneself are also necessary for fulfillment of the
duties and responsibilities of the leader. Furthermore, good communication skills,
such as one’s capacity to listen, are perceived as a necessity as this “allows and facilitates
communication with the followers.”

The student leaders shared that leadership is about showing desirable traits to the
students. One of the leaders mentioned if a leader possesses desirable traits such as
responsibility, the students would not complain about the way that person runs a council.
Since the student leaders believe leaders need followers, there is a strong identification
that a leader must be patient, kind, and cordial to the students. It was observed that when
the students chose leaders, accountability was essential to serve these individuals.

The narratives also revealed, student leaders who perceive their subordinates as
equals are more effective. This is because, as one leader noted, “serving as a good
example while being humble about it makes one effective.” Another informant seconded
this by suggesting a leader is not only someone who is first among equals, but also has
the voice to comfort others while the job is being executed.

Interestingly, female student leaders indicated leadership can be a source of

inspiration and a useful voice of reason. One female student leader said, “leadership
is about positive notion” and part of her attitude to radiate encouragement. Another
female student leader stated that one knows “which side to take and which action
to support.” Male student leaders, on the other hand, assert leadership is a state of
being. As one of the male leaders mentioned, “leadership doesn’t mean that it has to
follow patterns.” He furthered that modifications are necessary to serve the people.

Mediating Leadership
A variety of themes emerge from the male and female student leaders in this study.
Female leaders believe context is necessary to frame leadership, while male student
leaders argue rules must not be bent.

Females are convinced that in the exercising of leadership qualities, it is necessary

to see how they relate to the structure of the council. One held that if the leader knows
her place in the structure of leadership, she would know how to advise the students to
channel their concerns to proper administrative counterparts. Another mentioned she made
herself familiar with the directory of students to help her identify relevant information.

Moreover, the female student prefers to establish a connection with her peers and
the whole student body. This allows her to use social media to obtain the feel of the
 Filipino Student Council 31
audience. One respondent mentioned, “We use it to get real-time concerns and give
on-the-spot feedback.” Another leader finds satisfaction in receiving Facebook
messages even in the wee hours, validating her relationship with her audience. Yet
another stated that social media hash-tags are used to make students aware of
advocacies of the student council and create a sense of identity for the school community.
Female leaders also united in saying that face-to-face interactions facilitate in
establishing leadership. Even with technology, one female council president believes
that “personal attention to the concerns of others is essential.” A student shared they
hold a “monthly dialogue between leaders and student representatives so they can
identify proper actions to issues.”

On the other hand, male student leaders generally feel that decision-making should
not be based only on context, since policies rule. One said, “The constitution is the sole
basis of the rights of the students.” He continued that general plans must be based on
certain binding ground rules.

Male student leaders also suggest the power of face-to-face encounters with
students is still potent in establishing oneself as a leader. One stated that to address
grievances of students, the council must face the people. Part of the mantra of the
council is to be perceived as a friend to everyone. For another respondent, consultation
is important as this enables integration of insights between council and student body.
He said, “We have a committee in student government called Educational Development
and Research assigned to research student information.” A male leader claimed room-
to-room campaigns strengthened the value of face-to-face consultations. He said, “it
establishes the importance of listening and communicating to identify the root
problem,” Another male student leader added, more than social media tools, he
believes a “personal relationship is more valuable when concerns are addressed personally.”

Discussion
Constructs of leadership and processes in mediating leadership were described
in this study. Findings show leadership is contextualized based on the demands of the
school setting as well as the leaders’ skill and trait sets. The leaders also claimed that
visibility is a necessity as leaders are expected to have a face-to-face presence, and
communication is established and maintained to guarantee the student body can
become efficient.

The interviews revealed that leadership is recognized as a positive concept. The

narratives have shown student leaders value their commitment to the colleges and
32 The Journal of Student Leadership
universities, and being elected to the position means their initiative will be of service
and inspiring to other students (Miles, 2010). A select group of student leaders shows
that to excel in good service to student-constituents, it is necessary to master skills and
traits. At the same time, the interviews reveal control is needed to effectively govern
the body. The study also supports the literature indicating exposure of students to
activities that enhance leadership development provide venues for furthering academic
experience (Lott, 2013; Johnson, 2015).

Narratives of the student leaders show that student council heads adhere to the
collectivist nature of the Filipinos. This primacy of the collective over the individual
was observed in how student leaders tried to mitigate their leadership constructs,
particularly on the sentiments of the select student council heads prioritizing the needs
of the students by being “first among equals.” Furthermore, the council leaders’
narratives revealed they do not impose their know-how on leadership but rather utilize
interactive processing and established norm-based rules (e.g. constitutions) to justify
their leadership stances.

This study argues that student leaders are comfortable communicating with people
within their social groups. Also, although there may be a decrease of comfort as Filipino
student council heads move from their inner circle to their outer group, they bridge this
difference by establishing mediated ways, like social media, to connect with their
various audiences. Moreover, although not entirely a Filipino communication behavior,
the author observed the way student council presidents have represented the voices of
students via formal and informal ways such as feedback forms, websites and social
media posting (Decoding Youth, Young Adults and Young Families, 2010).

Since Filipinos often operate in a collectivist and high-context culture, the student
leaders said face-to-face encounters and a more “personal touch” are used by the council
presidents. These approaches are comforting because they ensure smooth interpersonal
relationships between the head and the governed. Finally, differences between male
and female student leadership have been established in this study. Discourse of female
leadership revealed a more nurturing and contextual approach to leading people. This
aligns with past findings that revealed a higher participative and collaborative approach
to leadership compared to men (Carli & Eagly, 2012; Posner, 2014). The findings also
supported literature contending that women leaders tend to place a greater emphasis
on relationships, seek more collaboration among followers, and share more information
and power than male leaders (Dugan & Komivcs, 2007; Yarrish, Zula, & Davis, 2010).
 Filipino Student Council 33
This study has supported Berger and Luckmann’s (1991) assertion that social life
is a primary unit in understanding how humans interpret their world. Leadership
construction can be comprehended by examining how these student heads’ academic,
cultural, and gender roles influence how they govern councils. The symbolic interaction
between council heads and the rest of students has shaped the way leadership has
developed within the framework of student councils in the Philippines. Leadership
appears to be the possession of traits and skills, framed within a gender-based,
collectivist, hierarchical, and high-context set-up, because these are the framed rules
of student HEI leadership.

Conclusion
Overall, leadership development is seen as a desirable training ground for students.
Higher learning institutions must be able to sustain the activity of this non-formal
education arm if the goal is to create an army of educated citizens (Amirianzadeh, 2012;
Lott, 2013; Posner, 2014). The interviews reflected that students have a positive
conception of leadership which must be nurtured further. The students expressed they
are engaged in development of their student bodies, and see themselves as potentially
strong citizens who could utilize their student governments to accomplish tasks and
aid in the continuing transformation to modernization of the Filipino societies. It is,
therefore, recommended that HEIs in the Philippines invest more in training, teaching,
and exposing their student leaders to various leadership opportunities and skills to
harness the potential of leadership development in strengthening the future institutional
leaders of the land.
34 The Journal of Student Leadership

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