Development of psychological capital in an academic-based leadership education program

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of an academic-based, leadership education program on the development of psychological capital (PsyCap). Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from students at the entry-point (Time 1), mid-point (Time 2) and end-point (Time 3) of the leadership program, across all modes of delivery. Statistical analysis was performed to determine changes in psychological capacity. Findings – Results indicated PsyCap capacities (self-efficacy, optimism, hope and resiliency) may be impacted through leadership training and that online delivery appeared to have the greatest impact on student PsyCap development. Research limitations/implications – The paper concludes with a discussion of limitations and future directions of research that are needed. Limitations include non-individual tracking, and a somewhat small sample size in one of the samples. Implications include further research into a potential response shift bias among participants, research regarding the impact of educational modality and student maturity and self-awareness. Practical implications – The paper describes implications for practitioners in higher education, as well as more broadly for educators who are attempting to develop positive psychological capacities in their students. Originality/value – This paper expands upon a developing field in positive organizational psychology by focussing on development within leadership education.