The most recent research consider leadership development as ‘identity development’ (first introduced by Strauss and Corbin, 1998).

Identity here refers to the processes of making meaning associated with particular situations or roles that influence the way individuals perceive themselves or others as leaders.

(Adopted from Komives et al., 2005)

The influences on identity development includes: adult influences, peer influences, meaningful involvement, and reflective learning (they change across the stages of the central category):

• • • adult influences,
      • (adults were particularly influential as role models)
      • Later, adults continued as models and became actively engaged mentors
      • In college, adults continued as models and mentors, but also become meaning-makers and even evolved into friends
    • peer influences,
      • same ages served as friends, old ages served as role models
    • meaningful involvement,
      • clarify personal values and interests
      • learn about self, and develop new skills
      • Team-based involvements such as sports, theater, and band taught students to do their personal best while concurrently supporting others.
    • and reflective learning
      • Structured opportunities for critical reflection to uncover their passions,integrity, and commitment to continual selfassessment and learning