Leadership styles and resilience of Generation Z student leaders in Malaysian universities

Abstract

Despite growing research on student leadership, few studies examine how digital pressures affect leadership and resilience among Generation Z student leaders in Malaysian universities. Facing constant connectivity, digital fatigue, and the need to balance academic and leadership roles, these students rely on resilience. This study explored how digital environments shape their leadership styles and resilience. Ten university student leaders, selected through purposive and snowball sampling, participated in semi-structured interviews as part of a qualitative case study. To assist in framing the conversation, each participant completed the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire Form 6S and the Brief Resilience Scale prior to the interview. Thematic analysis revealed that participants frequently employed a mixed leadership style, incorporating both transformational and transactional elements. Digital literacy, participative approaches, and situational adaptability influence leadership development. Personal passion, experience-based learning, early exposure to leadership roles, mentorship, and the use of digital technologies were all contributing factors. Participants faced challenges such as emotional strain, peer conflict, institutional limitations, and online criticism. Resilience appeared as an important trait, strengthened by strong support networks, a growth-oriented attitude, and spiritual beliefs. These findings emphasise the need for emotionally sensitive, value-aligned leadership development programs in higher education.