An examination of leadership development in the great outdoors

Abstract

Abstract This study examined the efficacy of one particular approach to leadership development: outdoor experience‐based training and development (EBTD). Two sections of Voyageur Outward Bound School's Professional Development Program were selected for analysis. To overcome the methodological shortcomings of previous research in this area, several methods of data gathering were employed. Qualitative data revealed a substantial number of leadership skills that the programs intended their participants to develop. Differences between the two sections in energy level, quality of facilitation, and depth of processing were observed. Quantitatively, neither group demonstrated significant change on the Leadership Profile questionnaire at the .05 level. The two groups, statistically combined, demonstrated a significant negative change in two of the six dimensions of the questionnaire. They did not demonstrate positive change in the areas that Outward Bound suggested they would.