Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence citizenship development within the Social Change Model. Methodology. The design of this study was a phenomenological study, using semistructured interview questions to explore factors that influence citizenship development within the Social Change Model. The interview questions were reviewed by a panel of experts who determined validity. Purposive sampling was utilized with snowballing techniques to identify participants who met the criteria. Content analysis was used to analyze the data with two additional raters to establish reliability. Findings were examined and themes were identified and categorized. The results were presented in textual and graphic formats. Findings. Findings led to several factors that influence citizenship development within the Social Change Model. Factors included: (a) participants perceived the Social Change Model as a citizenship development strategy that is created through the intersection of the individual and group; (b) participants utilized the Social Change Model to develop student leaders to serve the greater common good and the mission of the university; (c) students' participation in a required service project and the acquisition of knowledge about the community are methods to develop citizenship; (d) assessing citizenship was determined through instructor and advisor assessment and through student evaluation; and (e) participants' value of citizenship significantly impacts the use of the Social Change Model as fundamental to leadership development and serving the community. Conclusions. This study identified several factors that influence citizenship development within the Social Change Model. The findings add to the literature in understanding citizenship development strategies for higher education institutions. The results of the study are intended to inform colleges and universities, student affairs educators, and leadership development scholars and practitioners. Recommendations. Further study is needed to inform the field and several recommendations for future research were included in the study.