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

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

A critical review of research on STEM education in Qatar

In the light of the mounting national promotion, encouragement, and support of the skillsets that are critical to the knowledge economy in Qatar, the present article offers a critical review of the current body of literature that examines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in this Arabian Gulf state. Over the past few decades, there has been a proliferation of writing on STEM in different countries, especially those in the West, and research conducted in this area has significantly advanced our knowledge and understanding of the scope, complexity, and importance of this field. However, work done on STEM in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and the Arab world more broadly has been received little reflection and critique. This article sets out to critically review STEM-related literature in Qatar, using salient electronic bibliographic databases and specific selection criteria to conduct the search for relevant publications on the topic, including journal articles and conference papers. This review discusses gaps in theory and flaws in methodology

A Structural Equation Modeling Approach to Understanding the Causes of Psychological Distress during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Qatar

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to determine how blended learning, teleworking challenges, knowledge, strategic responses in crisis situations, perceived seriousness, peoples' adherence to Covid-19 preventative measures, social stigma, age and gender relate to the outcome variable "Psychological Distress during the Covid-19 pandemic" in Qatar. Design/methodology/approach - The data analyzed in this study was originated from a nationally online (web) survey of residents in Qatar during the Corona crisis in 2020. The number of questionnaires with complete data on valid items for multivariate analysis is 1683. By using factor analysis as a data reduction technique and to establish the construct validity of the questionnaire, Kaisers-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and the Bartless test of sphericity showed that eight extracted dimensions are valid and can be used in the structural equation model (path analysis). Findings- In regressing the outcome variable "Psychological distress due to Covid-19 "on the seven extracted dimensions as well as on "Age" and "Gender", it is found that the multiple coefficient of determination is highly significant. "Psychological distress due to Covid-19" is determined by all explanatory significant variables. Moreover, the study findings suggest that the explanatory variables indentified in the causal model generate both positive and negative direct effects. What's more, the outcome variable "Psychological Distress due to Covid-19" is a complex observable phenomenon calling for multiple interventions. Apart from individual significant direct positive or negative effects, all indirect effects with the exception of knowledge increase the total (as the sum of direct and indirect) effects. Findings of this study provide strategic insights and useful thinking that have significant implications for understanding "Psychological distress due to Covid-19." Original value - To the best of the researchers' knowledge, this is the first path analytical investigation of "Psychological distress due to Covid-19" in Qatar. This novel context should provide a useful base for further studies as well as for policy making.This study was supported by Qatar University Internal Grant No. QUERG-SESRI-2020-1. The researchers would like to acknowledge the positive contribution of Dr. Justin Gengler at SESRI. The authors would also like to thank Mr. Anis Miladi and Mr. Isam Mohamed Abdel Hameed in giving so generously of their time at various stages of the survey