Journal of Scholastic Inquiry: Business
Volume 11 Page 21
Creating Significant Cross-Functional Leadership Development Opportunities: An “Ecological” Approach Andrew Pueschel Ohio University David Bayless Ohio University Katherine Hartman Ohio University
Abstract Although extant research suggests experience with cross-functional teams is suggested to maximize student leadership development, there are challenges to implementing cross-functional teams in an academic learning environment. This study examines the effectiveness of a sustainability-focused, semester-long, course-based learning experience that integrated students across academic colleges. As compared to students not participating in a cross-functional experience, the results suggest students self-reported greater confidence in the development of leadership skills. The discussion offers suggestions for designing cross-functional team engagement opportunities for students. Keywords: Leadership development, business education, experiential learning
Introduction At a time when students are unable to see the need or the benefits of working in crossdisciplinary teams, there is a need for an explanation for why these models are best practices in
