The Transformative Effect of the Relationship Between Student Leadership and Spiritual Maturity

Abstract ―​

Spirituality is deeply woven into the fabric of Filipino culture, significantly influencing the beliefs and behaviors of individuals. This study explores the intricate relationship between spirituality and student leadership among Filipinos, focusing on how spiritual experiences shape leadership styles. The investigation is rooted in the Bolman and Deal Four Frames Model, which categorizes leadership into structural, human resource, political, and symbolic frames. Using the Spiritual Experience Index-Revised (SEI-R) and a leadership survey based on the Bolman and Deal model, the research evaluates student leaders' spiritual maturity and leadership preferences at De La Salle University. The study aims to fill gaps in existing literature by providing a nuanced understanding of how spirituality interplays with leadership development in a Filipino context. It employs Pearson's correlation coefficient to analyze the relationship between different leadership styles and levels of spiritual maturity. Findings indicate that higher spiritual maturity correlates positively with symbolic and human resource leadership, suggesting that spiritually mature students are more likely to use cultural and symbolic means to inspire and lead others. Conversely, a negative correlation was found between spiritual maturity and structural leadership and political leadership. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on leadership development, emphasizing the importance of integrating spiritual values into leadership training programs. The results underline the necessity for educational institutions to foster environments where spiritual and leadership growth can fuse, ultimately preparing students to be more effective and ethically grounded leaders.