This can be seen by the divorce announcement of Finland’s outgoing Prime Minister Sanna Marin, which sparked far less media attention than the controversy surrounding her partying with friends and celebrities.
However, in countries like the United States, attitudes towards divorce can vary significantly across regions and communities. In some parts of the US, there is stronger emphasis on traditional family values, which can result in more scrutiny and negative perceptions when political leaders go through a divorce.
Additionally, the level of public attention and media coverage that political figures receive can differ between countries.
In countries with more liberal views, the media might focus less on personal matters like divorce, and more on the leader’s professional capabilities. In the US, however, the media often covers both personal and professional aspects of politicians’ lives, which can amplify the impact of a divorce on one’s public image.
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES
Our research emphasises the importance of a strong support system. If a political leader has people and systems in place to support them, it can help them navigate the challenges of divorce and maintain their leadership effectiveness.
In situations where a leader lacks an adequate support system, their ability to make crucial decisions and focus on governance might be negatively affected. This can lead to poor decision-making and ultimately result in negative economic consequences.
As our research implies, it’s crucial for political and business leaders to be mindful of how their personal lives may impact their professional roles.
Additionally, research on how politicians balance their family and work lives, and how it affects their decision-making, can provide valuable insights for improving leadership performance and public service.
It’s important to note these are general tendencies and there can be exceptions in every country. Ultimately, the impact of a political leader’s divorce depends on a complex interplay of cultural norms, media dynamics and a leader’s ability to navigate public perception during challenging personal times.
Denis Schweizer is Professor of Finance and Juliane Proelss is Associate Professor of Finance at Concordia University. This commentary first appeared in The Conversation.
Source: CNA
