ssessment of Intercultural Competence in Leadership Development for Youth in Lagos State, Nigeria
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Date
2023-12
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Lead City University
Abstract
Leadership is inevitable for human existence. The reality of globalisation, cultural diversity, workforce, and the working environment of Lagos State makes intercultural competence an essential skill for leadership. Supporting this, several scholars argued that intercultural competence is an ability to lead effectively and act appropriately among people of different cultures with fairness and equity. Globally, youths are recognised as a formidable and essential part of the population of every society whose strength and dynamism are indispensable for growth and sustainable development. Therefore, youth leadership development is fundamental to the future of any society and national development. Against this background, the research examined youths’ awareness of cultural diversity, intercultural competence, and its relevance in leadership development. The study adopted descriptive survey research design while a structured questionnaire was used for data collection among the selected youth-focused voluntary organisations in Lagos State. The findings reveal the manifestation of cultural superiority among youths in Lagos State. The research discovers that many youths lack in-depth knowledge of cultural diversity and intercultural competence. They have wrong perception that intercultural competence is the knowledge of cultures that are superior to other cultures. Some youths also consider intercultural competence as a skill needed to promote one’s culture excellently among
other cultures in any situation. To say that one culture is superior to other is derogatory and negates the general concept of culture as what shapes human life, identities, and values. Therefore, the study recommends that government should integrate intercultural education into school curricula at all levels of education. In addition, family, youth organisations, policymakers in public and private organisations, and religious institutions should create a working relationship that will harmonise individual cultural, social, and tribal identities.
Keywords: Intercultural competence, Leadership development, Strategic Leadership, Youth
Word Count: 279
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Keywords
Intercultural competence, Leadership development, Strategic Leadership, Youth