VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "Olowoyo, Olamide"

Browsing by Author "Olowoyo, Olamide"

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Are social media “Influencers” leaders? Exploring student perceptions of social media influencers in the context of leadership and followership
Council, Austin; Olowoyo, Olamide (Association of Leadership Educators, 2024-11-21)
Purpose – This purpose of the study was to investigate, analyze, and make meaning of student perceptions of social media influencers in the context of leadership and followership. Design/methodology/approach – We investigated whether students perceive social media influencers as leaders, their perceptions of the difference between followers and fans, and the degree of responsibility influencers have over their followers’ behaviors. Existing qualitative data were obtained from n 5 41 participants for the study. We used elements of phenomenology within a single case study design (introductory leadership course) to thematically review and analyze students’ discussion posts and agree on common themes. Findings – Our findings show that most students do not believe influencers are leaders based on value differences between influencers and leaders broadly. Students perceived followers as more actively engaged than fans based on their ability to work alongside leaders, while fans are more passive by only consuming and admiring influencers’ content. Lastly, most students noted that influencers are responsible for the behaviors of their followers and should have more awareness of their power and influence online. Originality/value – As social media continues to influence the perceptions of the younger generations of leaders, our findings seek to provide insights into the evolving and dynamic nature of leadership and followership in the digital age.
Are social media “Influencers” leaders? Exploring student perceptions of social media influencers in the context of leadership and followership
Council, Austin; Olowoyo, Olamide (Emerald, 2024-11-21)
PurposeThis purpose of the study was to investigate, analyze, and make meaning of student perceptions of social media influencers in the context of leadership and followership.Design/methodology/approachWe investigated whether students perceive social media influencers as leaders, their perceptions of the difference between followers and fans, and the degree of responsibility influencers have over their followers’ behaviors. Existing qualitative data were obtained from n = 41 participants for the study. We used elements of phenomenology within a single case study design (introductory leadership course) to thematically review and analyze students’ discussion posts and agree on common themes.FindingsOur findings show that most students do not believe influencers are leaders based on value differences between influencers and leaders broadly. Students perceived followers as more actively engaged than fans based on their ability to work alongside leaders, while fans are more passive by only consuming and admiring influencers’ content. Lastly, most students noted that influencers are responsible for the behaviors of their followers and should have more awareness of their power and influence online.Originality/valueAs social media continues to influence the perceptions of the younger generations of leaders, our findings seek to provide insights into the evolving and dynamic nature of leadership and followership in the digital age.
Courageous Followership Amid Uncertainty
Kaufman, Eric K.; Oyedare, Israel; Olowoyo, Olamide (2025-03-25)
Guest lecture on courageous followership for Virginia Tech's undergraduate course on "Toxic Leadership." Guiding Questions: How do we view leadership? What are the priorities with followership? When might courage be necessary?
Creative Conversations: The Un-Meeting as an Approach to Agricultural Extension Communication [Poster]
Spence, Jessica R.; Kaufman, Eric K.; Seibel, Megan M.; Parrella, Jean; Tyler-Mackey, Crystal; Grove, Benjamin B.; Adebayo, Bolanle; Olowoyo, Olamide; Poudel, Sonika; Zhu, Stephanie; Gutter, Michael (2025)
While the agricultural industry increasingly faces complex challenges that require diverse stakeholder input, traditional meetings often limit engagement and perpetuate top-down dynamics, inhibiting effective problem-solving. This article explores the “un-meeting” format as an alternative, highlighting its ability to foster inclusive, participant-driven discussions that encourage collaborative brainstorming and actionable outcomes. Based on our experience with a statewide agriculture summit, we discuss the principles underlying un-meetings, the facilitation process, and the practical implications for Extension professionals. Recommendations include the importance of knowledgeable facilitators, a large team for effective management, and limiting session cycles to maintain focus and depth in discussions.
Exploring Students’ Definitions of Leadership: Implications for Leadership Education
Olowoyo, Olamide; Council, Austin; Kaufman, Eric K. (2024-07-14)
Leadership has gained prominence over time as a subject of scholarly inquiry. Its evolving nature and dynamism, coupled with different perspectives and views of individuals, call for continuous research. Understanding how individuals perceive leadership particularly students who are future leaders is germane for leadership education in our ever-changing world. This study explores students’ perspectives and definitions of leadership and the implications of these for leadership development. Such insights can help shape leadership education programs to better align with students’ needs and aspirations. The study analyzed 709 responses from undergraduate students who applied to an interdisciplinary leadership minor at Virginia Tech between 2015 and 2022. Employing a qualitative approach, this research explores the diverse definitions and conceptualization of leadership provided by the students. Through a thematic analysis of students' definitions of leadership, the findings reveal support for the four waves of leadership: heroic, relational, pluralistic, and leadership-as-practice. This study highlights the importance of engaging students’ perspectives when developing leadership programs, introducing a class activity for leadership educators to apply the research findings. By aligning leadership development programs with students’ perspectives, leadership educators and educational institutions can promote efficient and relevant leadership experiences that will empower students to be effective future leaders.
The First Follower Role in Diffusion of Innovations: Implications for Followership Development
Olowoyo, Olamide; Kaufman, Eric K.; Council, Austin (2023-03-24)
The follower’s role is vital in the leadership process because one cannot exist without the other (Alegbeleye & Kaufman, 2019; Chaleff, 2008). The role followers play can be related to causal agents because they influence leaders’ attitudes, behaviors, and organizational outcomes (Ete et al., 2007). The “first follower” concept originated from the TED2010 talk by Derek Sivers on “how to start a movement” (Sivers, 2010). The video of a dancing guy used for the presentation depicted a movement, and other followers joined the movement because of the first follower’s action. According to Sivers (2010), a first follower is brave and plays a crucial role in the movement. The first follower can be linked with the innovator in the Rogers (2003) adopter categories. As gatekeepers, the innovators are willing to express new ideas, they are venturesome, and they bring innovations from outside the system (Sahin, 2006). The first follower attribute of trying things first and having a unique idea makes others emulate followers and shows other followers how to follow (Sivers, 2010). Thus, the process of social influence the first follower has on other followers goes along with the attributes and influence of a leader. If adopted by organization leaders, leadership educators, and consultants, the principle of the first follower will help to increase efficiencies and improve productivity through the first follower teaching others.
Gender Analysis of Factors Influencing Soil and Water Conservation Technology Utilization among Vegetable Farmers in Ekiti and Oyo States, Nigeria
Faniyi, Ebunoluwa; Deji, Olanike; Olowoyo, Olamide; Sulaimon, Waheed; Aduwo, Oluwafunke (Nigerian Journal of Rural Sociology, 2019)
The study assessed the gender analysis of factors associated with soil and water conservation technology usage among vegetable farmers in Ekiti and Oyo States, Nigeria. It specifically, described the socioeconomic characteristics of vegetable farmers and examined the gender-specific factors associated with soil and water conservation technology utilisation in vegetable production. The study adopted a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were elicited from the respondents using an interview schedule and focus group discussion guide. The study used inferential and descriptive statistics to analyse the data from the survey. The findings showed that the mean age for male was 35 years and female vegetable farmers 41 years. While the mean years of vegetable farming experience for male was 16 years and female vegetable farmers was 19 years. Varimax factor rotation pattern was used to isolate six factors associated with soil and water conservation technology usage for male vegetable farmers, which were information-source factor (14.4%), family factor (14.0%), resources factor (11.7%), economic factor (10.5%), soil-fertility factor (8.3%), and institutional factor (8.0%). Also,five factors were isolated for the female vegetable which were include; personal-experience factor (21.6%), information source factor (20.0%), land acquisition factor (10.7%), resources factor (10.0%), and group membership factor (7.7%). Information, resources, economic, personal experience, and land acquisition were the gender-specific factors influencing soil water conservation (SWC) technology usage. It was recommended that the factors identified should be noted as springboard for technology development and dissemination in Nigeria, this will help in the removal of the existing gender gaps among the farmers, especially in the rural areas and ensure sustainable agricultural practices and rural transformation.
Gender Differences in Farmers' Indigenous Knowledge of Vegetables Disease Management: Implication for Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Farmers' Decision Support System
Deji, Olanike; Adisa, Priscilla; Ogunbona, Philip; Faniyi, Ebunoluwa; Olowoyo, Olamide; Jubril, Abimbola; Omotola, Olajide; Olukayode, Samuel (Rural Sociological Association of Nigeria, 2021)
The study was carried out in Osun State, Nigeria with the aim to analyse male and female vegetable farmers’ indigenous knowledge of disease management. It specifically assessed the indigenous knowledge of male and female farmers on the symptoms, causes, curative, and preventive measures of the vegetable crop diseases. This was done with the aim to provide gender-responsive benchmark data that could enhance the effective adoption of AI-enabled decision support system for crop disease management. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit quantitative data from 106 respondents (59 males and 47 females) for the study. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. Majority of the male and female farmers used indigenous knowledge in identifying the symptoms, causes, curative and preventive measures of most common vegetable crop diseases. Expert/Extension professional-based human intelligence was also a major source of information on crop disease management among the male and female farmers, but the female farmers experienced lower extension contacts than the males. Scientific study and integration of gender responsive and enabling indigenous knowledge on crop disease management into the AI-enabled farmers’ decision support system involving experts and extension professionals is recommended for effectiveness and sustainability
Gender Perception on the Health and Environmental Hazards of Pesticide Usage among Cocoa Farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Olowoyo, Olamide; Fasilat, Deji Olanike (Science Publishing Group, 2017)
The study was conducted in Ekiti State, Nigeria among male and female cocoa farmers, to assess the gender differential in perception of the health and environmental hazards of pesticides usage. Multi stage purposive sampling technique was used to select 120 male cocoa farmers and 120 female cocoa farmers to make a total of 240 respondents for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyse the data. The result showed that male cocoa farmers, likewise female cocoa are vulnerable to health, (tearing and redness of eyes, body pain, headache) hazards, likewise they also indicated their experience of environmental (air pollution, pollute streams) hazards. About 64% Male and 54% female cocoa farmers had a positive perception of the health and environmental hazards of pesticides usage but there was a significant difference between male and female cocoa farmers perception of pesticides hazards. It was concluded that majority male as well as female cocoa farmers in Ekiti State were vulnerable to one pesticide hazards or the other. Adequate and frequent training was recommended for male and female cocoa farmers on pesticides hazards, at the same time less reliance on pesticides usage to reduce vulnerability to the hazards.
Gender Specific Factors Associated With Hazards of Pesticide Usage among Cocoa Farmers in Nigeria
Olowoyo, Olamide; Deji, Olanike Fasilat; Sulaimon, Waheed Suberu; Faniyi, Ebunoluwa Oyindamola (2019)
This study assessed the gender specific factors associated with health and environmental hazards of pesticide usage among cocoa farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria a region known with predominance in cocoa production. It specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of male and female cocoa farmers and isolate factors associated with health and environmental hazards of pesticide usage in cocoa production. 120 male cocoa farmers and 120 female cocoa farmers were selected through multi stage purposive sampling technique in five local government areas of the state, to make a total of 240 respondents for the study. The study adopts the use of inferential and descriptive statistics to analyze the data from the survey. The mean age for male and female cocoa farmers was 52.5±9.82 and 45.2± 8.49 respectively while the mean years of cocoa farming experience for male and female cocoa farmers was 27.9±9.23 and 22.3±9.68 respectively. Varimax factor rotation pattern was used to isolate six factors associated with health and environmental hazards for male cocoa farmers which include: ‘information source factor’, ‘extension contact factor’, ‘experience factor’, ‘knowledge-pesticide usage factor’, ‘group membership factor’ and ‘family factor’ and six factors associated with health and environmental hazards for female cocoa farmers which include: ‘knowledge factor’, ‘information source factor’ ‘group membership factor’ ‘extension contact factor’ ‘family factor’ and ‘pesticide usage’ were isolated. Awareness of the gender specific factors to understanding hidden gender issues associated with hazards of pesticide usage among cocoa farmers was recommended. Hence, this is to ensure sustainable pesticide usage and to boost environmental productivity for rural development.
Gender Utilization of Forest Products among Rural Dwellers in Osun State, Nigeria
Sulaimon, Waheed Suberu; Deji, Olanike Fasilat; Olowoyo, Olamide; Faniyi, Ebunoluwa Oyindamola (2019)
This study specifically determined male and female’s level of utilization of forest products among rural dwellers in Osun State, Nigeria through the instrumentality of gender lens. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting a total of 240 respondents. Structured interview schedule and Focus Group Discussion Guide were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential tools. The results show that the mean level of utilization of forest products for male respondents was 266.99±70.31, while that of female respondents was 248.23±72.04 (with a maximum obtainable score of 747). The results of t-test show that calculated t-value of 2.042 was higher than the critical t-value of 0.042 at p≤0.05 with 238 degrees of freedom. This result implies that there was a significant difference in the utilization of forest products by male and female respondents. The Focus Group Discussion results show that male respondents have favorable disposition in their utilization of economically viable forest products than females. This in turn has created a source of financial advantage through a robust economic engagement of males in the study area. However, females have always been at the receiving end of natural resource policies which tend to favor males at their detriment. This in turn has hindered sustainable utilization of forest products in the study area In conclusion; there was a significant difference in the level of utilization of forest products by male and female respondents. The result of this statistical analysis indicates that the calculated t-value of 2.042 is higher than the critical t-value of 0.042 at 0.05 level of significance with 238 degree of freedom. Hence, the study seeks attention in addressing this inequality by engendering policy frameworks which tends to focus on gender equality in order to ensure sustainable forest resource utilization as a panacea for economic development.
Promoting Leadership Capacity to Enhance Women’s Access to and Control over Land
Olowoyo, Olamide; Kaufman, Eric K. (International Leadership Association, 2023-10-13)
This interactive roundtable discussion invites participants to share views on the need and ways to promote the leadership capacity of women to enhance access to and control over land. The roundtable discussion will be facilitated by scholars with research interests in leadership and gender in agriculture. It will begin by giving a brief overview of leadership capacity development. The overall goal of the discussion is to consider the methods through which women’s leadership capacity can be enhanced. While this targets the agricultural sector, particularly women farmers, knowledge of women’s leadership capacity building from the perspective of leadership practitioners can be applicable to other sectors. Globally, securing land rights in an effective and inclusive manner involves concerted efforts and partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society actors at all levels. The objectives of the roundtable are to: allow facilitators and participants to share their views on the importance of promoting the leadership capacity of women, deliberate on ways through which promoting leadership capacity can help improve control over resources, and provide insight into the ways by which women can assume more leadership roles in agriculture. Key Takeaways: (1) Recognize the importance of promoting the leadership capacity of women to enhance access to and control over land. (2) Gain insight into how women farmers can assume more leadership roles in agriculture. (3) Explore options to transfer the knowledge of building women’s capacity to other sectors.
Summary Report on the Commonwealth Agriculture Summit
Kaufman, Eric K.; Seibel, Megan M.; Tyler-Mackey, Crystal; Parrella, Jean; Adebayo, Bolanle; Olowoyo, Olamide; Poudel, Sonika; Spence, Jessica; Zhu, Stephanie (2024-06-10)
On April 12, 2024, Virginia Cooperative Extension hosted the Commonwealth Agriculture Summit in Richmond VA, with approximately 100 individuals in attendance. The Summit focused on three goals: ➔ Define relevant innovations needed for local producers, ➔ Help producers maintain and grow their operations for positively impacting communities, and ➔ Identify priorities for the agriculture industry we can collectively support. The structure of the event was based on an “Un-Meeting” format, which prioritizes engaging and listening to participants to surface key insights. The structure included three panels (a.k.a., “ignite sessions”), with each key informant allocated four minutes to highlight predetermined areas of focus: (1) “Maintaining Agriculture’s Edge,” featuring Secretary Matt Lohr, Robert Mills, Dr. Kang Xia, and Dr. Joseph Oakes; (2) “Processing and Challenges for Growth,” featuring Jennifer Ligon, Eric Bendfeldt, Jim Saunders, and Melissa King; and (3) “Land Use,” featuring Rachel Henley, Adam Downing, Commissioner Joe Guthrie, Dr. John Fike, and Nadine Jackson. During each panel presentation, participants captured thoughts, questions, and comments on index cards, which were then organized into themes for deeper conversations in breakout discussions. By the end of the Summit, 17 key informants had sparked ideas that yielded 12 general themes, supported by more than 300 data points (i.e., participants’ submitted index cards). This report presents examples of input by thematic area, with brief summaries of the breakout discussions depicting both broad discussion topics and more specific suggestions for Extension research and practice. As participants departed, they were encouraged to continue conversations, helping Virginia maintain its standing as a pacesetter for advancing agriculture technology in ways that value and perpetuate a strong heritage. Innovation, defined in a way that contributes to locally relevant decision-making tools, allows Virginia Cooperative Extension to remain a relevant conduit of research-based, tangible information to stakeholders. Responding to community-based needs with practices, products, and related education and training is further enhanced through collaborative efforts with state and local agencies in executing the Land Grant mission.
Towards Enhancing Leadership Capacity of Women in Agriculture
Olowoyo, Olamide; Adebayo, Bolanle; Sunderman, Hannah M.; Kaufman, Eric K. (2023-07-19)
Increasingly complex societal problems require the collective efforts of all genders to solve. However, women seldom receive the social support necessary to develop leadership identity and capacity despite inherent leadership potential (Ely et al., 2011; Shollen, 2015). Leadership is instrumental in promoting community efforts (Igalla et al., 2020). Hence, women’s leadership capacity should be developed to encourage collective efforts to solve problems, especially in a sector where they are the majority of workers, such as agriculture. The agricultural sector is faced with diverse problems affecting the sector’s productivity. Women are needed to facilitate collective efforts toward solving agricultural problems. Hence, there is a need to increase efforts targeted at women’s leadership capacity development. This roundtable discussion will ask participants to share their views on the importance of developing women’s leadership capacity, the current state of women’s leadership capacity development, challenges to women’s leadership capacity development, and diverse methods for developing capacity through leadership education. Emerging scholars with research interests in women’s leadership development will facilitate the round table discussion. The overall goal of the discussion is to consider the methods through which women’s leadership capacity can be enhanced.
Towards Pesticide Smart Agriculture using System Thinking and Precision Farming
Olowoyo, Olamide; Kaufman, Eric K.; Council, Austin (2023-03-16)
Pesticides play a major role in agricultural production, they are extensively used in modern agriculture (Sharma et al., 2019). Farmers have continuously relied on pesticides to control pests and diseases and have tremendously increased the production of food (Olowoyo, 2017; Tudi et al., 2021). The use of pesticides remains an effective and economical way to improve the quality and quantity of food production (Sharma et al., 2019). Globally, about 3 million tonnes of pesticide are utilized annually, where China contributes the most, followed by the USA and Argentina (Pariona, 2017; Sharma et al., 2019; Statista, 2023). Despite the contribution of pesticides to agricultural production, indiscriminate usage poses serious consequences to human health and the environment (Olowoyo & Deji, 2017; Sharma et al., 2019). Evidence in the last few decades has shown that they could also be detrimental to human health from food contamination due to pesticide residues, posing threats to the health of the farmers who apply the pesticides as well as the environment (Olowoyo & Deji 2017; Sosan & Akingbohungbe, 2009). In addressing the challenges associated with indiscriminate pesticide usage, the ICEBERG, a tool for guiding systemic thinking, becomes crucial for identifying the root causes of these problems. Similarly, precision farming technologies offer a solution by empowering farmers to make informed decisions in the judicious utilization of agricultural inputs. This dual approach aims to balance the need for increased agricultural productivity with the imperative of minimizing adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

Browsing by Author "Olowoyo, Olamide"

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