Understanding paternalistic leadership: a guide for managers considering foreign assignments

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this article is to help employees trained in Western business practice who move to different countries for work and encounter leaders who display paternalistic leadership as their main leadership style. by providing an explanation of paternalistic leadership and practical advice. Design/methodology/approach The article is based on a literature review on paternalistic leadership and in qualitative data collected for research on paternalistic leadership practices. Findings The article explains the main characteristic of paternalistic leadership and provides the reader with practical advice . Originality/value This paper provides the reader with a non-western perspective on leadership and advice for employees on what to expect and what to do when working with a paternalistic leader