Scholarly Works, Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education
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- The Hidden Role of Followership in Poverty ReductionKaufman, Eric K. (2026-07-09)Efforts to reduce poverty are typically framed as leadership challenges—calling for better strategies, stronger leaders, and more effective organizations. This lightning talk challenges that assumption by positioning poverty reduction as fundamentally dependent on followership. Drawing on recent research on social service organizations (Poudel & Kaufman, 2025; Varela, 2013), this presentation integrates insights from U.S. poverty measurement (e.g., Dalaker, 2022), global frameworks such as the Multidimensional Poverty Index (United Nations Development Programme, 2025), and practitioner perspectives on frontline work (Kaufman, 2025). Poverty is not a singular condition but a multidimensional and context-dependent phenomenon, shaped by how it is defined and measured. These choices influence which populations are seen, which interventions are prioritized, and how success is evaluated. At the same time, poverty alleviation efforts operate within complex systems involving networks of organizations, stakeholders, and communities, where coordination, shared purpose, and distributed action are essential. Within these systems, followership plays a critical yet often unacknowledged role (Matshoba-Ramuedzisi, et al., 2022). Frontline practitioners, partner organizations, and community members enact forms of followership that influence implementation, accountability, and ultimately outcomes (Fabiano, 2024). Building on prior work identifying “hard truths” about poverty reduction, this talk argues that overlooking followership limits both theory and practice. By reframing poverty reduction through a followership lens, this session contributes to emerging conversations on leadership–followership systems and offers practical implications for advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty.
- Followership in Community Needs Assessment: Reframing Collaboration in a Statewide Situation AnalysisKaufman, Eric K.; Johnson, Lonnie (2026-07-08)Community needs assessment is a foundational practice in Extension systems, yet it is most often conceptualized through collaboration and stakeholder engagement rather than followership. This study reframes a statewide Virginia Cooperative Extension Situation Analysis as a leadership–followership system in which stakeholders actively co-create direction through participation, voice, and shared purpose. Using a multi-method design, data were collected from internal and external stakeholders through a modified Wilder Collaboration Factors Inventory and open-ended responses, as well as follow-up interviews. Findings indicate strong collaboration, with shared purpose and mutual respect emerging as key strengths, while process clarity and inclusivity of relevant stakeholders were comparatively weaker. External stakeholders reported more positive perceptions than Extension employees, suggesting differences in how participation and influence are experienced across roles. Interpreted through a followership lens, these results highlight how effective followership is enacted through relational conditions that support voice, trust, and collective ownership of community priorities. At the same time, gaps in communication, representation, and process structure point to constraints on inclusive and fully realized followership. This study contributes to followership research by extending it into a public-serving, community-based context and by demonstrating how collaboration metrics can illuminate conditions that enable or inhibit followership. Implications include the need to intentionally develop followership capacity among Extension personnel and stakeholders through training in facilitation, communication, and inclusive engagement practices.
- Following Invisible Leadership: When Purpose Leads and People FollowKaufman, Eric K. (2026-07-07)Leadership scholars have long examined the relationships between leaders and followers, yet we often assume that followers are primarily following a person. What if, in many of our most effective organizations and communities, both leaders and followers are actually following something else—a compelling common purpose? Drawing on Hickman and Sorenson's concept of Invisible Leadership, this presentation reframes followership as more than a relationship with authority. Through personal stories, examples from healthcare and collaborative leadership, and practical metaphors, participants will explore how a shared purpose can become the "invisible leader" that inspires people to move fluidly between leading and following roles. Rather than asking how we can become better followers of leaders, this session challenges us to consider how faithfully we are following the purposes that unite us. Participants will leave with a new lens for understanding leadership systems and a practical question to apply within their own organizations: What is the invisible leader in your work?
- 4-H Sustainable Polymers curriculum strengthens youth scientific literacyWorker, Steven; Nayak, Roshan; Smith, Martin (University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), 2026-06-23)Plastics are integral to modern life, but their production, use, and disposal also create significant environmental and social challenges, making scientific literacy about plastics important for informed civic and personal decision making. We examined how the grade 9-12 4-H Sustainable Polymers curriculum supported youth scientific literacy in two California school settings led by 4-H educators. Using a multiple case study design, we analyzed post-program focus group data from 13 high school youth with a framework that defined scientific literacy across four dimensions: science content, scientific reasoning skills, interest and attitudes, and contribution through applied participation. Youth described learning core ideas about plastics, including material properties, life cycles, and environmental impacts. They also reported using evidence through graphs, observations, research, and discussion to interpret plastics-related issues. Hands-on, materials-based activities were described as especially engaging, and youth connected what they learned to possible actions ranging from reducing personal plastic use to supporting community, producer, and policy responses. These findings suggest that experiential, place-based environmental science education can support youth scientific literacy when learning is tied to meaningful everyday issues.
- Rebalancing Team Science: Why Followership Matters for Collaboration and InnovationKaufman, Eric K. (2026-06-24)Why do highly skilled, well-resourced scientific teams still struggle with collaboration, conflict, and stalled innovation? One overlooked explanation lies in followership. While team science has advanced our understanding of leadership, diversity, and collaboration, far less attention has been given to how individuals engage as followers. Yet followership—how team members support, challenge, and co-create—shapes team effectiveness in critical ways. This session reframes team science as a dynamic, relational process where leadership and followership are intertwined. Participants will explore how followership orientations influence team dynamics, decision-making, and innovation, and consider how elevating followership can help teams better navigate complexity. Through reflection and discussion, participants will identify practical ways to strengthen followership within their own teams and team science contexts.
- Participant-driven gathering: the ‘un-meeting’ way to engage agricultural producers with the sustainable livelihoods framework (SLF)Adebayo, Bolanle; Kaufman, Eric K.; Olowoyo, Olamide; Poudel, Sonika; Seibel, Megan M.; Parrella, Jean A.; Spence, Jessica R.; Tyler-Mackey, Crystal; Grove, Ben; Zhu, Stephanie; Gutter, Mike (Taylor & Francis, 2026-06-12)Sustainable agricultural livelihoods are foundational to achieving sustainable food systems, yet contemporary agricultural actors face interconnected challenges – including climate change, labor constraints, land-use pressures, and policy misalignment – that are insufficiently addressed by earlier livelihood frameworks. This communication paper introduces the 21st-century Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) as a conceptual lens for understanding agricultural livelihoods, emphasizing the relational dynamics among diverse livelihood actors and the structural processes shaping access, agency, and outcomes. Drawing on data from a participant-driven, participatory convening of agricultural stakeholders (a.k.a. “un-meeting”), this study examines how such methods can surface shared priorities and map livelihood dynamics across heterogeneous agricultural contexts. Qualitative analysis of 313 participant notecards, observers’ field notes, and summit planning documents revealed themes strongly aligned with components of the 21st-century SLF, including environmental dynamics, assets, relational power, and pathways to livelihood sustainability. Findings demonstrate that unconventional meetings like this provide an effective participatory mechanism for bringing together producers, Extension professionals, researchers, and industry actors to deliberate challenges, identify opportunities, and align priorities across diverse agricultural livelihoods. The results further highlight the central role of the Cooperative Extension system as a forerunner in facilitating grassroots producer engagement, strengthening relational connections among stakeholders, and enabling the transformation of structures and processes – such as policy development, research agendas, workforce preparation, and education – necessary for sustainable agricultural livelihoods. Overall, this study contributes empirically and conceptually by illustrating how participatory un-meetings can operationalize the 21st-century SLF in practice and by reinforcing the importance of Extension-led, bottom-up approaches to advancing sustainable agricultural livelihoods in support of sustainable food systems.
- Strategies for Transformational Leadership Development Among 4-H Youth [Poster]Oyedare, Israel; Kaufman, Eric K. (American Association for Agricultural Education, 2026-05-20)
- How to Work with StakeholdersKaufman, Eric K. (2026-05-28)Workshop for Virginia Tech's Data Science for the Public Good (DSPG) fellows.
- Building the Next Generation of Transformational Leaders: Identifying Perceptions and Existing OpportunitiesOyedare, Israel; Kaufman, Eric K. (American Association for Agricultural Education, 2026-05-20)As the world faces dynamic challenges affecting societies and organizations, there has been an increasing call for the development of transformational leadership among youth. This focus is critical for preparing for the future and for inspiring hope, trust, and cooperation within any given system. Unfortunately, despite the popularity of the transformational leadership domain, the emphasis has largely been on adult leaders. Thus, this study explores the perspectives of 4-H Extension agents about transformational leadership among youth and existing opportunities available for youth to build their transformational leadership skills. The insights are gleaned from interviews with 15 Extension agents working with 4-H—the largest youth development organization in the United States. The findings are relevant to multiple stakeholders, including 4-H Extension services, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions.
- Leadership From The Land with Dr. Eric Kaufman & Brian Zimmerman [Podcast Episode]Allen, Scott J.; Kaufman, Eric K.; Zimmerman, Brian (Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott J. Allen, Ph.D., 2026-05-13)In this episode of Practical Wisdom for Leaders, host Scott J. Allen welcomes Dr. Eric Kaufman of Virginia Tech and Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman for a conversation exploring the deep roots of leadership development in agricultural education and community life. Drawing from their experiences in FFA, 4-H, land-grant universities, and public service, Kaufman and Zimmerman reflect on how leadership is cultivated through practice, mentorship, responsibility, and collaboration rather than positional authority alone. Together, they examine the historical influence of agricultural leadership programs on modern leadership education, the importance of experiential learning, and the role of community networks in solving complex societal challenges. The discussion highlights themes of empowerment, collective leadership, lifelong learning, and the enduring value of developing leaders who can work across differences to move communities forward.
- Developing Youth's Capacity to Lead Through Complexities: Exploring 4-H Extension Agents’ Perception on Barriers and OpportunitiesOyedare, Israel; Kaufman, Eric K. (Wiley, 2026-05-15)As the world faces dynamic challenges affecting societies and organizations, there has been an increasing call for the development of transformational leadership among youth. This focus is critical for preparing for the future and for inspiring hope, trust, and cooperation. Unfortunately, despite the popularity of the transformational leadership domain, the emphasis has largely been on adult leaders. Thus, this study explores 4-H Extension agents’ perspectives about barriers to and support areas for fostering transformational leadership development (TLD) among youth. Interviews revealed primary barriers and strategies that influence success with youth TLD, acknowledging the adults can both inhibit and facilitate the process. The findings have important implications for multiple stakeholders, including 4-H Extension services, community organizations, and academic institutions.
- Teaching Followership as a Collaborative Approach to Leadership with Eric Kaufman [Podcast episode]Oyedare, Israel; Kaufman, Eric K. (The Future of Leadership Podcast with Israel Oyedare, 2026-03-21)In this episode, I’m joined by Eric Kaufman, a professor of Leadership Studies at Virginia Tech, for an engaging conversation on developing followership programs in higher education. We also explore key topics such as followership discourse and research, followership education, and the cataloguing of followership materials—a Virginia Tech grant-funded project where he served as Co-Principal Investigator.
- Mobilizing People to Tackle Tough Challenges: The Structural Dynamics of Adaptive LeadershipKaufman, Eric K. (2026-04-07)Guest lecture for Virginia Tech's ALCE 6014 class on "Theories in Non-Formal Learning."
- Generative AI as a Cognitive Bridging Partner: Applying Adaption–Innovation Theory to Human–AI CollaborationKaufman, Eric K. (2026-04-14)As organizations increasingly integrate generative artificial intelligence (AI) into leadership, education, coaching, and knowledge work, an important question emerges: How might AI interact with or facilitate cognitive style diversity? Kirton’s (2003) Adaption–Innovation (A–I) theory provides a rigorous framework for understanding differences in problem-solving style, structure preference, cognitive gap, and coping behavior (Fridel, 2023). While AI tools are rapidly entering the workplace, they are rarely examined through the lens of cognitive style (Jablokow, 2026). This roundtable proposes that generative AI can be explored not merely as a productivity tool, but as a structured thought partner that may: support Problem A (task resolution), Influence Problem B (managing cognitive diversity), serve as a potential cognitive bridger, and/or affect coping load across wide KAI gaps. The session aligns directly with the 2026 Symposium theme, KAI at 50: Shaping the Future of Work and Wellbeing, by examining how A–I theory can guide responsible and style-aware AI integration in leadership and teamwork contexts. Rather than positioning AI as a replacement for human cognition, this roundtable situates A–I theory as an interpretive framework for understanding and shaping human–AI collaboration.
- Faith and Justice: Church Leadership's Impact on Prison ReformAkowuah, Yaw Asamoah; Adusei, Frank Y.; Kaufman, Eric K.; Crowder, Loy V. (Stephen F. Austin ScholarWorks, 2026-04-03)This study examines the Church of Pentecost’s (CoP) pioneering prison reform initiative in Ghana as a faith-based response to systemic overcrowding and inadequate rehabilitation infrastructure. Through a qualitative case study design, the research analyzes in-depth interviews with church leaders and media staff, alongside institutional documents, to explore how religious leadership intersects with correctional policy. Findings reveal that CoP’s “Vision 2023” strategy positioned prison decongestion as a moral and national imperative, leading to the construction of five “Inmates Skills Acquisition and Reformation Centres.” These facilities integrate vocational training, spiritual care, and modern infrastructure, aligning with Rehabilitation Theory’s emphasis on humane, reintegration-focused corrections. The project exemplifies transformational leadership, characterized by visionary commitment and ethical mobilization of resources. However, it encountered significant public and internal resistance due to communication gaps and the novelty of faith-based prison construction. The study contributes to scholarship on non-state actors in justice reform, demonstrating that religious organizations can drive structural change when grounded in theological mandates like missio Dei and imago Dei, yet underscores the critical need for proactive stakeholder engagement to ensure legitimacy and impact.
- Bonding & Bridging Social Capital in TeamsKaufman, Eric K. (2026-03-04)Guest lecture for Virginia Tech's LDRS 5544 class on "Leading Teams Through Change."
- CARET Connections for Sustaining the Land-grant PromiseKaufman, Eric K. (2026-02-22)
- Towards Achieving a Sustainable Future: The Need for Global Leadership in Addressing Climate ChangeAdusei, Frank Y.; Olowoyo, Olamide; Kaufman, Eric K. (Data Plus, 2026-02-27)The accelerating climate crisis presents an urgent global challenge that demands effective leadership across all levels of society. This paper argues that global leadership, characterised by vision, inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation, is essential for advancing sustainable development and responding effectively to climate change. Drawing on the Global Leadership for Sustainability (GLfS) model, this paper examines how leadership grounded in ethics, interconnectedness, and systemic thinking can bridge the gap between science and policy. The paper highlights how diverse leadership approaches catalyze tangible climate action using successful case studies such as the Montreal Protocol, the International Solar Alliance, and youth-led climate movements. It also examines persistent barriers, including misinformation, political polarization, economic inequality, and cultural divides, that hinder unified global efforts. The analysis reveals that overcoming these challenges requires empowering communities, enhancing climate financing, fostering international cooperation, and cultivating emerging youth leaders. This calls on global leaders to lead by example, engage the private sector, and prioritize equity in decision-making. Ultimately, it positions leadership not merely as a function of governance but as a moral obligation to ensure planetary survival. Adopting a global leadership mindset can help humanity forge a resilient and sustainable future amid the climate crisis.
- From Compliance to Culture: Ethics in Agricultural Education ResearchKaufman, Eric K.; Haugen, Inga (2026-02-02)Ethics in agricultural and life science research is often treated as a matter of compliance, yet the integrity of our work—and public trust in it—depends on everyday decisions made in labs, classrooms, and communities. This interactive session adapts Virginia Tech’s Innovative Research and Ethical Impact (IREI) model to the context of the American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE), positioning Southern Region scholars as catalysts for ethical cultures in academia. Participants will (1) explore how social norms and informal mentoring shape “how we do things” in research groups and departments, (2) identify ethical dimensions within their own current or planned projects across the research pipeline—from formulating questions to disseminating findings, and (3) practice strategies for communicating and addressing ethical concerns in ways that align with AAAE Research Values and AFNR priorities such as environmental health, diversity and inclusion, youth development, and safety. Using brief case scenarios and peer discussion, we will foreground questions of who is affected, how, and with what scope and severity, emphasizing the human consequences of decisions in agricultural and related social science research. The session is designed for faculty, graduate students, and academic leaders who want practical, discipline-relevant tools for moving beyond one-off responsible conduct of research trainings toward a sustained community of practice around ethics in academia. Participants will leave with concrete conversation prompts, reflective questions for research teams and classrooms, and an action plan for modeling ethical research and teaching practices within their own spheres of influence.
- Strategies for Transformational Leadership Development Among 4-H YouthKaufman, Eric K.; Oyedare, Israel (American Association for Agricultural Education, 2026-02-09)