Exploring connections between awe and humility development: a case study of undergraduate students’ perceptions of awe-inspiring experiences in leadership education

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore how experiences of awe contribute to the development of humility among students in a leadership education context.

Design/methodology/approach: We adopted a qualitative case study and phenomenological approach to explore how students in an introductory leadership course experienced awe and humility. Qualitative data were collected through an open-ended survey from n = 61 students, based on their prior knowledge of humility, awe and leadership from a module introduced earlier in the semester. Coding followed two strategies based on the assignment prompt, the type of awe and inductive approach, drawing on students' words and phrases.

Findings: Our findings suggest a notable connection between awe and humility, as evident in the students' responses. Students described experiences that fit under each of the “eight wonders of life,” such as moral beauty, collective effervescence, nature and epiphany. Findings also show that these awe-inducing experiences challenged students intellectually, causing them to reconsider their perspectives and be open to thinking about their lives in new ways. These experiences also inspired gratitude and encouraged a deeper focus on others and the community.

Originality/value: Going beyond teaching the theories of leadership and toward virtues, character and self-transcendent emotions may allow students to go deeper in their leadership education and gain more holistic and introspective insights into their motivations, desires and values that drive their leadership.