COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LEADERSHIP COMPENTENCY GAINS THROUGH OUTDOOR RECREATION BETWEEN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Outdoor recreation is necessary to help students in universities become mature while inculcating leadership skills. This research analyzes the impacts of engaging in hiking, kayaking and orienteering on leadership skills developed by 175 members of the TRAINER Club in UiTM Puncak Alam using Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory for analysis. The research used a quantitative approach and the use of structured questionnaires to assess the leadership dimensions such as persistence, friendliness and dependability as well as demographic details. The obtained results indicated that mean scores for friendliness (M=3.99), persistence (M=3.93), and dependability (M=3.90) were surprisingly high. Where outdoor recreational activity practices were present, statistically meaningful relationships with significant leadership domain areas were seen such as creating a shared vision (r=0.603, p<0.001) and allowing others to act (r=0.518, p=0.004). The data affirms the idea that experiential outdoor recreational activities is of primary importance in acquiring important soft skills. Integration of the reflection and the mentorship practices considerably enhances growth in leadership. Theoretical engagement extends to practical ‘applications’ for educators, club leaders, and administrators where a formalized outdoor recreational activities component is recommended for Malaysia’s leadership programs in its universities. The research lays out key parameters for future longitudinal studies on this subject.