Abstract The present study focuses on the significance of developing leadership competence in higher education. Leadership is acknowledged as an essential skill demanded by both society and the labor market. Therefore, the aim of this research is to explore the perceptions of recent graduates and faculty members regarding leadership training in the Industry and Services area at the University of Atacama, with the purpose of identifying strengths and areas for improvement in the educational process. A qualitative methodology with an exploratory design was employed. The sample consisted of 14 final-year students, 4 faculty members, and 6 graduates from the programs of Business Administration Engineering and University Technician in Business Administration, selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were used as the primary data collection tool, developing a script of guiding questions to investigate three dimensions: the concept of leadership, the formation of leadership competence, and the role of the faculty. Data analysis was performed using Atlas Ti software, including stages of initial coding, categorization, and thematic analysis, ensuring reliability and validity through data triangulation. The results reveal that students primarily associate leadership with the ability to guide, work in teams, communicate empathetically, and resolve conflicts; furthermore, planning and organization were identified as key skills. Graduates highlighted experience as a distinctive element in leadership, enabling them to act more effectively and position themselves as references in their work teams. Lastly, faculty members valued direction and organization, emphasizing the importance of setting clear paths and motivating organization members. The research supports the need for comprehensive leadership training that incorporates practical experiences and a more holistic approach, highlighting empathetic communication as an essential competency for success in teams and decision-making. Additionally, the importance of learning from lived experiences and lessons learned to effectively address the needs of diverse communities is underlined. In this context, the faculty emerges as a central figure, playing a crucial role in the development of these competencies as their ability to guide, inspire, and model positive behaviors is fundamental for the development of future effective and empathetic leaders. Thus, the role of the faculty in the formation of this competency is central and constitutes a significant influence in the educational process with a lasting impact on students' professional trajectories. The conclusions indicate that the current curriculum in higher education is inadequate to address leadership competencies, recognizing the need to adopt a more practical and holistic approach that prepares students not only for the workplace but also for various aspects of life. For this, the essential role of the faculty is recognized, emphasizing the importance of their continuous training in innovative methodologies and empathetic communication.
Resumen En la actualidad, el liderazgo destaca como una competencia esencial, requerida tanto por la sociedad como por el mercado laboral. Si bien la Universidad de Atacama demuestra su compromiso con el desarrollo del liderazgo al integrarlo como competencia genérica en su Modelo Educativo, subsisten interrogantes respecto a cómo se desarrolla esta competencia y cómo se asegura su aplicabilidad en el ámbito profesional. Con un enfoque cualitativo, este estudio exploró las percepciones de estudiantes, egresados y docentes, con el propósito de comprender el proceso de formación del liderazgo. Los resultados subrayan la relevancia de la comunicación empática, el rol del profesorado y la necesidad de una formación más holística en liderazgo. Se concluye que las instituciones de educación superior deben revisar y mejorar los programas formativos, estableciendo alianzas con organizaciones para brindar experiencias prácticas a los estudiantes que les permita mejorar la formación del liderazgo.