Social Cognition on The Influence of Films on The Leadership Strategies of Executive Committee Members of Organizational Communication Society and Up Salinlahi

Abstract

Film has been an effective tool in enlightening and inspiring change in their audiences, which consequently affects their attitude and behavior towards certain themes. Film has also inspired change in various audiences such as students, working professionals, and leaders. Students, more specifically those in the collegiate level, are highly encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as academic organizations in order to experience university life to the fullest and to foster holistic growth in preparation for the professional life. Films as a tool of instruction may be used in enlightening and inspiring change among college students who are also affiliated with academic organizations in order to assist them in their leadership strategies in leading their organizations. The study sought to determine the social cognition of the influence of film on the leadership strategies of the executive committee members. Three films were used for the study, namely: A Bug’s Life, Invictus, and The Devil Wears Prada. The data for the study were obtained through film screenings followed by online interviews with the presidents along with five members of the executive committees of the Organizational Communication Society and UP SALINLAHI. In the analysis of the data obtained from the interviews, four major themes were identified from the study, depending on the social cognition of the respondents on the films. These were risk-taking; addressing conflicts; adopting leadership strategies, behaviors, and abilities; and identification and reflection. Observational learning took place as the film characters served as the models for the participants. After observing the behavior of the film characters in the films, the participants were able to fully identify with the film characters due to similarities in their attitudes, behaviors, and leadership strategies. More so, the leadership strategies that they have observed in the films have a higher likelihood of adoption of behavior when the observers have a closer identification with the film characters (models) and when there outcome of the behavior that has been observed yielded positive results for the organization (outcome expectancies). Furthermore, the participants have exhibited a strong sense of self-efficacy, as they showed willingness to overcome challenges that they face in their organizations. Consistent with the theoretical components of Bandura’s social cognitive theory, the study showed that film has the capacity to influence the leadership strategies of the participants. Some recommendations of the study included the addition of members for a wider scope, a longer time frame for the study, and the usage of Filipino movies.