Leading like a scout. Suitability of the Scout role as an indicator of leadership competence (PDF)

Master's Thesis from the year 2021 in the subject Psychology - Industrial and organizational psychology, grade: 1,0, SRH - Mobile University, language: English, abstract: In the context of this work it is to be examined whether the role of the Scout is suitable as an indicator for guidance authority. This is considered to be confirmed if it can be shown that Scouting has a significant influence on the development of leadership competence, or rather imparts relevant competencies that enable Scouts to lead successfully. Therefore, the primary research question is derived from this: "Does Scouting influence personal leadership competence?"

As early as 2006, Handelsblatt wrote about "the managers from the campfire" and quoted the Swedish King Carl Gustaf as saying "Scouts teach leadership skills." A few years later, in April 2019, WirtschaftsWoche published a detailed article on the subject of soft skills entitled "Why scouts make good bosses." The author justifies this with a number of soft skills that a Scout acquires at a young age and during his training. These include decision-making skills, conversational skills, project management, group leadership, teamwork and leadership, and generally taking responsibility. These are all competencies that companies often impart to their employees through expensive training courses.

If this causality can be confirmed, it would be of great importance, especially for aptitude diagnostics, as it would provide a new indicator for leadership competence. While professional competence can still be demonstrated by relevant work experience in a resume, it becomes much more difficult in the area of personal, social and methodological competence.

It should also be taken into account that the demands placed on managers are constantly growing. The megatrends of globalization and digitization are increasingly changing these demands. Intercultural teams working together in different locations around the world are the norm rather than the exception these days. Changes are also taking place at ever shorter intervals due to increasing competition and growing complexity.

Through eleven expert interviews with experienced leaders and a retired federal president - who also have Scouting experience - and a qualitative content analysis, this study examines whether Scouting has an influence on personal leadership competence, which leadership competencies are influenced, and which Scouting elements have the greatest influence on leadership competence.