Peer influence on female student leadership attainment, capacity and development: a staff and student perspective within a girls' school context

This article investigates the impact of female peer relationships on secondary school students' leadership attainment, capacity and development. In particular, it explores the concepts of adolescent development, competitive behaviour and risk aversion, as well as peer conflict and wellbeing. Through a qualitative study of secondary girls' schools, involving the survey of staff members from schools located in Australia and New Zealand, and focus groups comprising students from schools located in Australia and South Africa, an understanding of these phenomena has been sought. This study found that peers influenced students both positively and negatively with regard to the attainment of leadership positions as well as their capacity as leaders. It is suggested through this study that further research might explore the continuing effect of these same sex relationships on women as they seek leadership positions in the workplace.