Social Change Model

The Social Change Model of Leadership

The Social Change Model Components

This is an inclusive, non-hierarchical model, created specifically for the college undergraduate . Self-knowledge and leadership competence are predominant in the model's three components or perspectives.

1. Individual
2. Group
3. Community/Society

Key Assumptions

• Leadership is based on clear values consistent with actions
• ALL students can "do" leadership, it is for anyone wanting to create change

• Leadership is about change. Being an efective leader means accomplishing positive change for others and the community

• Leadership is collaborative and based on collective action, a shared power, and a commitment to social justice
• Leadership is a process as a group works together towards a goal (no one person is the authority)

Individual Component

Consciousness of Self

Being aware of the beliefs, values, attitudes, and emotions that motivate one to take action.

These are the critical values associated with the Individual Component

Congruence

Refers to thinking, feeling, and behaving with consistency, genuineness, authenticity, and honesty towards others; in other words, one’s actions are consistent with one’s deeply held beliefs and convictions; personal congruence and consciousness of self are interdependent.

Committment

The psychic energy that motivates the individual to serve and that drives the collective effort; passion, intensity, and duration are directed toward the group activity and the intended outcomes.

Group Component

Collaboration

To work with others in a common effort; the cornerstone of the group leadership effort in that it empowers the self and others through trust; capitalizes on multiple talents and perspectives of members and the power of that diversity to generate creative solutions and actions.

These are the critical values associated with the Group Component

Common Purpose

To work with shared aims and values; it facilitates the group’s ability for collective analysis of the issues and the task (s); best achieved with all sharing the vision and total participation; recognition helps to generate a high level of trust.

Controversy with Civility

Recognizes that differences in viewpoint are inevitable and must be aired openly but with respect for others, with a willingness to hear each other’s views, and with the exercise of restraint in criticism of others’views and actions; best achieved in a collaborative framework with an identified common purpose; can lead to new, creative solutions.

Community/Society Component

Citizenship

• The process whereby the individual and the collaborative group become responsibly connected to the community and society through the leadership development activity
• The acknowledgment of the value of working for positive change on behalf of others and the community
• The acknowledgment of the interdependence of all who are involved in or affected by the efforts
• Recognizes the necessity of incorporation of a sense of concern for the rights and welfare of all those who might be affected by the group’s efforts
• Recognition of individual responsibility as well as individual rights.

THE SOCIAL CHANGE MODEL OF LEADERSHIPFrom the Guidebook, Version III, Higher Education Research Institute, UCLA (1996) Prepared by Dr. Joanne E. Nottingham, January 2011