Clear and positive identity as an attribute of an effective leader

Daniel T.L. Shek; Florence K.Y. Wu

doi:10.1515/ijdhd-2016-0703

Article

Clear and positive identity as an attribute of an effective leader

Daniel T.L. Shek and Florence K.Y. Wu

Published/Copyright: May 28, 2016

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From the journal International Journal on Disability and Human Development Volume 15 Issue 2

Abstract

In many adolescent developmental models, it is proposed that having a clear and positive identity is an important developmental task for adolescents. In this paper, the conception of positive and healthy identity and the related theories are outlined and the determinants and effects of having a positive and healthy identity are presented. The relationship between healthy and positive identity and leadership is then explored. Finally, the question of knowing how positive and healthy identity can be promoted is examined. Issues surrounding the ways of how to teach students to develop the attribute of having a clear and positive identity as a leader are discussed.

Keywords: clear and positive identity; intrapersonal development; leadership; university students

Corresponding author: Daniel T.L. Shek, PhD, FHKPS, BBS, SBS, JP, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Chair Professor of Applied Social Sciences, Department of Applied Social Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Room HJ407, Core H, Hunghom, Hong Kong, P.R. China

Acknowledgments:

This work and the course on “Tomorrow’s Leaders” are financially supported by the Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The authorship is equally shared by the two authors.

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Received: 2014-9-5

Accepted: 2014-10-2

Published Online: 2016-5-28

Published in Print: 2016-6-1

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https://doi.org/10.1515/ijdhd-2016-0703

Keywords for this article

clear and positive identity; intrapersonal development; leadership; university students