Student leadership : An in-depth study of the attributes of student leaders and the attractiveness of the leadership act.

Sammanfattning: Leadership is a fundamental function in all organizations and societies; It is the act that makes others get missions completed. However, to lead is a difficult act to master and those who lead professionally seem to have one thing in common: they have experience in the field of leadership. Based on earlier understandings and research, the authors have recognized the importance and motivation of student leadership; Individuals who enter in a leadership act from a young age. It is a time of period where the learning and development of leadership is recognized. Student leadership is therefore an arena for young individuals to develop their leadership skills and attributes, make mistakes and learn from them. It is considered essential to acknowledge this kind of leadership is not related to what kind of educational programs these individuals receive in their own studies, instead the focus in this thesis is leadership outside the university programs. The purpose of this study is to acknowledge the qualities and experiences young individuals receive by actively being involved in a leadership role. The analysis chapter discussed the theories of traditional leadership and modern leadership in accordance with the meaning of student leadership and compared them with empirical findings from 5 different respondents that were included in the term of Student leadership. An interview with an international corporation was conducted as well in order to receive another perspective and the need for student leadership. Valuable information regarding student leadership has been concluded by using a qualitative research method where students in a leadership position were interviewed and by using a deductive approach. In conclusion, essential attributes of student leadership include high confidence in social media, high rate of relational bonds and an international model of leading. The practical implications of this study recognize the importance of a development stage that exists in the role as a student leader; for both individuals that are set to enter an international corporation and the society.