The Importance of Organizational Leadership in Managing Work and Family

Abstract

This chapter demonstrates the importance of organizational leadership in managing the work–family interface. Though researchers have only recently turned to leadership theory to explain employees’ work–family outcomes, the integration of leadership theory provides a richer understanding of how the work–family interface is navigated. In discussing leadership’s impact on the work–family experience, the roles of executive-level leaders, mid-level management, and immediate supervisors are considered. The value of aligning and coordinating work–family support across all levels of organizational leadership is emphasized in order to yield the best work–family outcomes for employees. The chapter concludes with practical strategies for building organizational work–family support, a discussion of the advantages of integrating leadership theory and work–family research, and directions for future research examining work–family experiences and leadership from multiple levels.