Impact of leadership gender stereotyping on managing familial conflict, matrimonial strategies, divorce decisions and marital satisfaction in Qatar

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the direct and indirect effects of leadership style and gender roles on managing familial conflict (MFC), as well as how such conflict resolution affects divorce decisions and overall marital satisfaction (SF) in Qatar. Design/methodology/approach: A 20-item questionnaire, corresponding to 20 indicators for six latent variables, was administered to 550 married couples in Qatar. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure of sampling adequacy and Bartlett's test of sphericity were calculated. The path analysis was measured using structural equation modeling. Findings: Matrimonial strategies adopted by spouses positively affected familial conflict resolution, and successfully MFC both positively affected marital SF and reduced the inclination to seek a divorce. However, men were not found to be visionary leaders in familial relationships regarding conflict resolution. Leadership gender stereotyping did not positively influence the perception of women's competency (WC). The WC did not positively affect the managing of familial conflict. Research limitations/implications: This study provides strategic insights regarding how MFC in Qatar influences marital SF. Understanding the determinants of divorce decisions and marital SF furthers understanding of how married couples can sustain healthy relationships. Originality/value: This study empirically correlates three fields of family research: gender role; conflict resolution and marital SF. It explains how divorce issues have escalated in Qatar and explores the influence on modern social life of sexism, patriarchal roots and Oriental androcentrism. Many factors must be considered when examining matrimonial strategies (MSs), especially if there is debate over the ideal number of children. Strategizing models can curtail conflict that might lead to divorce.