The importance of community leadership to successful rural communities in Florida

Rural communities have unique ideals and values, as well as a culture and life of their own. Unfortunately, many of today's rural areas are in trouble. Issues facing rural communities are vast and numerous; more specifically, rural communities in Florida are dealing with a unique problem---the considerable influx of new people. Still, many argue that leadership may be the catalyst through which positive changes occur. Local leaders are concluding that if economic and community development is to occur, it is their responsibility to make it happen. Fortunately, some of today's rural communities are doing exceptionally well. But what makes these communities different? And what community aspects figure into this equation? Finally, could the presence of effective community leadership be the key to leading fading communities to a brighter tomorrow?; This comparative case study was undertaken to investigate how psychological sense of community leaders, community leadership, and social capital work together towards change within a viable community. The theoretical framework involved Wilkinson's Theory of Interaction, McMillan and Chavis' Psychological Sense of Community Theory, Servant Leadership Theory by Greenleaf, and Weber's illustration of social capital. Study communities were chosen through calculating a "Community Viability Score," and selecting the two most viable rural communities in Florida for participation. Community leaders within each community were determined through an expert panel, and participation continued through the snowball technique. These leaders were interviewed on-site using a researcher-designed instrument. Data analysis included factor analysis, path analysis and qualitative techniques.; Results indicated the community viability score was an inappropriate measure of future community success. Furthermore, only two variables were found to have a direct effect on a community's openness to change---community empowerment and building social capital through trust. Factor analysis indicated fewer essential factors than theoretically provided for in nearly all instances. Regarding leadership, practically every community leader felt a strong sense of community across their county---most actually identified their community not as their town, but according to their county. In addition, it was clearly illustrated that today's community leadership structure has changed; where there used to be a plethora of generalized community leaders, now are leaders who are less general, more dedicated to serving their community within specific social groups. Overall, these rural communities relied strongly on relationships (social capital) as the backbone to the community---particularly those between schools and churches. Community leaders showed a very strong sense of service to their community, most often with no recognition desired.