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An Examination of Chapter Leadership:

Perceptions, Reflections, and Implications

for the Future

By Kaye Dotson and Phyllis Broughton

The effectiveness of a group depends largely on the leadership of that group. As educators
making our way into the next generations of leadership for community and service organizations,
we need to consider factors that have impacted past leaders. In this study, the authors examined
past leadership in Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG), an organization of educators. The goal was to
support those who are poised and ready to take the role of leading into the future. Past leaders
can play a vital role in encouraging the next generation of leaders. Researchers reviewed the
leadership of 26 past presidents to gain information to support the next generations and expand
the perspectives of future leaders of education. Leadership successes and challenges were
explored.

ocial, community, and service organizations are experiencing stressors from
Smultiple sources. Membership in many of these once-flourishing organizations
appears to be declining, and organizations are failing to thrive (Wodon et al., 2014).
Educational organizations are among other struggling groups across the country that
are losing members and failing to recruit new or younger members. The percentage
of Americans who report belonging to any religious organization has also plunged,
averaging just 50% in 2018 (Sarah, 2021). The National Club Association found that
country club membership has decreased, down 20% since 1990 (Bromley, 2019).
This trend of decline in membership and support of organizations and community
institutions across the country is alarming and calls for examination.
How can these organizations be better supported? What will serve to keep them
healthy and growing? Leadership is a key factor in the health of any organization.
Organizations and programs must consider the leadership of their groups if they hope
to succeed and flourish in attracting different age groups, planning and organizing
events, and remaining relevant in 21st-century life.
Committed members planning for the next generations of leadership for
community and service organizations need to consider factors that have impacted
past leaders. An examination looking closely at leadership successes and challenges
may provide direction for addressing these challenges and supporting future leaders.
The impact of leadership cannot be overstated: The effectiveness of a group depends
largely on the leadership of that group.

Leadership for the Future
Evolving needs, purposes, and perceptions all play a part in shaping clubs,
societies, and groups. Although organizations change over time, one factor that
remains consistent is the significance of the leadership of the organization. If any
organization is to continue to thrive, it must consider how leaders have led in the
past and how they may need to lead in the future. Dotson and Santos (2015), in
affirmation of strong leadership, stated, “To be in a position to direct the course of
other educators, one must have knowledge of education, qualities of leadership, and

Educators’ Choice 35