The use of the LID scale in virtue-based leadership education for university students: An exploratory study

Virtue-based leadership education has gained increasing attention in recent years. This exploratory study examines the educational use of the virtue-based leadership self-perception scale (LID) within the Leaders of Character Program (LCP) at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) in Madrid. The LID, embedded in the EDULID educational model, enables university students to identify leadership-related competencies and virtues, supporting the creation of personalized development plans with mentor guidance. The research employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and involves 60 undergraduate students as well as faculty testimonies. Quantitative results indicate that students rate themselves higher in relational and cognitive competencies, and lower in performative ones such as resilience and self-mastery, highlighting the need to strengthen virtues like fortitude and temperance in leadership education. Qualitative findings emphasize the value of the LID scale for promoting self-knowledge, reflection, and educational accompaniment, and identify emergent leadership profiles: relational, reflective, and inspirational. The study concludes that the LID is an effective formative tool for fostering character development and moral identity in university students. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of leadership education in the university setting, particularly regarding the pedagogical use of self-perception tools such as the LID scale.