A1 Journal article (refereed)
Leadership practices in relation to men's work-family balance in Finnish organizations (2021)

Kangas, E., & Lämsä, A.-M. (2021). Leadership practices in relation to men's work-family balance in Finnish organizations. Community, Work and Family, 24(5), 567-585. https://doi.org/10.1080/13668803.2020.1728231

The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Kangas, Emilia; Lämsä, Anna-Maija

Journal or series: Community, Work and Family

ISSN: 1366-8803

eISSN: 1469-3615

Publication year: 2021

Volume: 24

Issue number: 5

Pages range: 567-585

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13668803.2020.1728231

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68448

Abstract

Leadership practices in organizations play an important role in shaping the conditions for employees’ work-family balance. Previous research on the topic has mainly focused on women; fathers are said to receive little support from leadership for combining work and family. In this study, the focus is on men working in six Finnish organizations representing male-dominated, female-dominated and gender-balanced organizations. Although Finland is considered a frontrunner in gender equality globally, Finnish women still carry the main responsibility for housework and child-care. Through a discursive approach, we seek to answer the following research question: What kind of discourses do working men construct of leadership practices that affect their work-family balance? This study offers insights into the variety of understandings of how men's work-family balance is constrained and/or supported through leadership practices. Our conclusion is that the gender composition and degree of hierarchy of an organization affect leadership practices regarding men's work-family balance. A good relationship between leader and employee supports balance. Fatherhood seems to be handled differently from motherhood in leadership practices. The information produced in this study is not only important with respect to the quality of life of men and their families, but also necessary to advance gender equality in organizational life and society in general.

Keywords: paternity; leadership (activity); men; working life; family life; organisational culture; discourse analysis

Free keywords: fatherhood; discourse analysis; leadership practices; men; organization; work-family balance

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Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1