Shaping Future Managers: How Leadership Exposure Influences Students Attitude Towards Workplace Responsibility

Abstract

Leadership exposure during management education plays a crucial role in shaping students’ professional attitudes, ethical awareness, and employability readiness in a competitive global environment. This study investigates how structured leadership activities, mentoring programmes, student clubs, and campus engagement initiatives influence management students’ sense of responsibility and workplace behaviour. A mixed-method approach was adopted, combining quantitative survey data from 180 final-year management students with qualitative insights obtained through focus group discussions with placement co-ordinators. Statistical analyses, including correlation and regression tests, revealed a strong positive relationship between leadership exposure and key workplace attitude dimensions – namely accountability, initiative, teamwork, and ethical conduct. The proposed LEA-R (Leadership Exposure–Attitude–Responsibility) Model underscores the importance of experiential learning, reflective mentoring, and global placement readiness as integral components of contemporary management education. The findings conclude that leadership exposure not only enhances students’ career preparedness but also fosters a lasting sense of professional accountability and adaptability essential for success in diverse international work environments.

Keywords: Leadership Exposure, Workplace Attitude, Employability, Campus Interviews, Management Students, International Placements

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