Women’s Leadership Styles and Their Impact on Addressing Economic Barriers: The Case of Women’s Leadership in the Palestinian Countryside

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the most prominent patterns of women’s leadership prevailing in the Palestinian rural context and to determine the key obstacles they face, whether those related to economic conditions or social circumstances. The study population consisted of all female leaders in the Palestinian countryside. The researcher selected a stratified random sample of 90 female leaders. The researcher used the descriptive correlational method and developed a questionnaire to achieve the study’s objectives. The validity and reliability of the instrument were verified. The study reached several findings, most notably: there are statistically significant differences in age averages among different age groups with regard to democratic leadership. Older age groups appear to exhibit significantly different averages compared to younger ones, suggesting that they may be more distinguished or influential in this type of leadership. There are no statistically significant differences between women’s leadership styles in addressing economic obstacles based on variables such as education and marital status, indicating that these variables do not have a meaningful effect on the relationship between leadership styles and handling economic challenges. There is also no direct relationship between leadership styles and addressing economic obstacles. However, good leadership alone is not sufficient to solve fundamental structural and economic problems; leaders need comprehensive assessment and practical measures to address these aspects alongside adopting appropriate leadership styles.