Introduction

Several studies have concluded that there is a relation between ones self efficacy and
ones chosen style of leadership (McCormick, 2002). As defined by Bandura, self-efficacy
refers to an individual's belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors necessary to
produce specific performance attainments. It is a reflection of ones confidence in his or her
ability to implement control over areas such as ones motivation, behavior and social
environment. Simply stated, it a persons belief ability that he or she will be able to
successfully do a specific task. In addition, self-efficacy may be referred to as the minds selfregulatory function (Bandura). It is what probes us to either try or simply stop whatever
action we have in mind.

It is self-efficacy that greatly influences how motivated we are in doing a task. With a
solid sense of self-efficacy, human accomplishment and personal develop can be enhanced
profoundly. This can be said being self-efficacy goes hand in hand with how one feels, thinks,
motivates and behaves. On the contrary, those who find themselves with a dwindling selfefficacy often find themselves shying away from difficult tasks. In their eyes, these are
viewed more as a personal threats rather than challenges that can contribute to individual
growth.

According to the Self-Efficacy Theory, it is an individuals confidence in their ability

to organize and execute a given course of action to solve a problem or accomplish a task
(Eccles & Wingfield). There are different forms of self-efficacy. The forms may range from
ones communicative self-efficacy, where one believes in his or her ability to communicate
effectively; to the area of creative self-efficacy whereas ones belief is his or her ability to

develop creative ideas is displayed. Leadership self-efficacy is also an area. This pertains to
ones belief in how effective or a leader he or she can be.

The notion of leadership has many definitions. Leadership according to Peter

Drucker may be defined as an individual who has followers. Vision is an element, as quoted
by Warren Bennis, Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. It is by the use
of leadership that one is able to create an ideal or certain view of how things ought to be.
Leadership by legendary business tycoons such as Bill Gates is defined as empowerment.
Empowerment which given by the sharing of information, rewards and power to employees
for them to be able to take initiative on their own account. In turn, baling them to make
decisions they feel that serve for the betterment of the unit. In consideration of the many
different notions of leadership, some decide to go minimalist in their definition of the term by
simply referring to leadership as Influence nothing more, nothing less. (Maxwell). Further
defined, it is the capacity to be able to affect an individuals character, development, or the
effect itself.

As self-efficacy has its different forms, in turn does the term leadership.
Leadership style is not as much as the act of acquiring ones needs, but it circles around the
needs of the people or organization one is leading. Leadership may take the form of being
authoritarian. In such cases does the leader take his role fully. Directions are given and are
expected to be followed without question. In this type of leadership, the one taking charge
assumes full responsibility as well as full authority over his subjects. Coercion is often used
in order to implement action in this type. Conversely, we there is another type known as the
Laissez-faire or free-rein leadership. Responsibility is avoided in this type or leadership and
is instead dispersed among subjects for their regards. Minimum initiative is taken upon the

leader for any possible trouble-shooting or in the process of achieving the groups goal. Other
leaders decide to take the form of a parent, as executed in the Paternalistic leadership. It is
here that the notion, papa knows best is applied. This type of leadership takes on much of
the scene in where the leader is seen as the father guiding his subordinates in good working
conditions accompanied with fringe benefits. In other cases such as Democratic leadership,
authority is decentralized and consultation of subordinates is used to formulate actions to be
taken by the group. Subordinates are led by persuasion rather than by force.
In a study conducted by educational consultant Graeme Paton in 2007, it has
been found that many jobs were unfilled due to a lack of basic leadership skills. It had been
concluded in the study that problems were experienced in those candidates who thought they
had very good degrees, still they were unable to impress during interviews. In effect, more
than 43% if the said positions were left unfilled compared to just a 32% in 2005.

With that finding, one may refer back to self-efficacy as indeed a factor as to
why the said percentage was not able to impress during interviews. As concluded by
(Knudstrup, Segrest, & Hurley, 2003), imagining oneself doing well on a job interview leads
to more effective interview. Given the current status of the researchers of living in a country
where Filipino graduates too find themselves having difficulty attaining jobs, thus the interest
(AllanWigfield, 2002) interest in finding out the correlation between the self-efficacy of
graduating students and their type of leadership style.

The University of Santo Tomas is filled with numerous colleges and faculties
created to cater to the intellectual interests of all. One college that cannot be ignored for its
body of liberal and strong minded individuals is the Faculty of Arts and Letters. Offering 12
different degrees to choose from, this colleges student body is thus composed of students

from the very analytical and contemplative Philosophy student to the outspoken and
courageous Political Science student. Interests in this college range from broadcasting to
social works and from the dynamics of economics to the rich compositions of literature
offered. Being the liberal arts college of the University, these students are known for being
quite different from than their other fellow Thomasians; not only in their way of thinking but
even more evident is in their approach to living. Leadership style of these individuals can be
witnessed from how their organizations are lead to the social issues passionately supported by
these students. Known for being bold in both words and actions, the Faculty of Arts and
Letters is a college among the Thomasian community with a definite presence.

The following study intends to take a deeper look at the leadership and self-efficacy
of these young persons. Upon completion of the study, invaluable information will be
obtained that could further enrich the individuals of the study, empowering them to make an
even stronger impact than what they have already obtained. Despite the already strong image
of the chosen college, undoubtedly there is still a great number of students who may not
know themselves deep enough or are still probed by feelings of inadequacy thus they will be
benefit from this study by gaining a deeper understanding and sense of self, in turn shaping
them to be the persons they are supposed to be in this time of their lives