A Comparative Qualitative Analysis of Leadership Behaviours Displayed by Mothers and Fathers in Family Systems

Abstract

Parental leadership represents a critical dimension of family functioning, influencing children’s emotional development, behavioural regulation, and long-term social competencies. This qualitative study examines the leadership behaviours of mothers and fathers, analysing similarities and differences, as well as the contextual factors that shape parental influence. Grounded in symbolic interactionism and family systems theory, the research explores how parental leadership is constructed, interpreted, and enacted within everyday family interactions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants, including mothers, fathers, and adult children, to capture diverse perspectives on parental behaviour. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, revealing three overarching themes: nurturing and relational leadership, authority and boundary-setting, and collaborative versus differentiated leadership roles. Mothers were commonly perceived as relational leaders, emphasising emotional guidance, empathy, and conflict mediation. Fathers were often identified with structural leadership, typically associated with authority, rule-setting, and strategic decision-making, though these distinctions varied across cultural norms, socioeconomic status, and family dynamics. Both parents demonstrated leadership adaptability, with role flexibility increasing in dual-earner and single-parent households. The findings challenge traditional gendered assumptions by showing that leadership is co-constructed and negotiated within modern families. Implications extend to parenting education, social policy, and family counselling, emphasising the importance of strengthening collaborative parental leadership for optimal child development. The study contributes to leadership scholarship by expanding the concept of leadership beyond organisational settings and into intimate relational contexts.