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A Path Analysis of Community Leadership within Viable Rural Communities in Florida

Pennsylvania State University

H. Ladewig

University of Florida, USA

The article considers the issue of leadership within rural communities, and how sense of community and social capital work with leadership to encourage change. Drawing on the research of leadership through a comparative case study undertaken in two viable Florida communities, we examine the relationships and effects among the aforementioned variables. Using path analysis, results indicated only community empowerment and building social capital through trust had a direct effect on a community's openness to change. Conclusions illustrated leadership importance at the community level. Effective community leaders assisted in developing important relationships, establishing communication and imparting community direction, thereby providing the needed link between variables. Implications suggest a unique type of community leadership training is needed as well as further research focusing on leadership, change and development.

Key Words: change • community leadership • psychological sense of community • rural communities • social capital

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