The Role of Leadership in Building Social Capital Through Rural Housewives Circles: Integrating Managerial, Psychological, and Empirical Perspectives
Purpose: This article examines the multifaceted role of leadership in fostering social capital within Poland’s Koła Gospodyń Wiejskich (Rural Housewives’ Circles — KGW). Combining theoretical perspectives from management science, social psychology, and rural sociology with empirical evidence drawn from the IDEE przez wieś project (2023–2025) and national studies by the author, the paper develops a comprehensive conceptual and practical account of how local female leaders stimulate trust networks, civic engagement, and local innovation. In addition to articulating a refined theoretical model (the Leadership–Social Capital Cycle), the study presents detailed methodological reflection, comparative analysis across European contexts, and a set of twelve actionable recommendations for policy-makers, NGOs, and academic educators. The extended empirical analysis integrates qualitative narratives (interviews, focus groups), quantitative indicators (participation rates, partnership counts), and network observations, showing that leadership efficacy depends on a combination of emotional intelligence, managerial competence, and institutional brokerage. The conclusion stresses scalable intervention points, research priorities, and monitoring indicators suited to rural governance evaluation. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employs a mixed-method approach combining qualitative interviews and participatory observation within selected Koła Gospodyń Wiejskich (Rural Housewives Circles, KGWs) in western Poland. The research framework integrates psychological dimensions of leadership (emotional intelligence, empathy, motivation) with managerial approaches (participatory governance, collaborative decision-making). The analysis was conducted using thematic coding and grounded theory to identify leadership patterns that foster social capital formation. Findings: The results reveal that effective leadership within KGWs is primarily based on emotional intelligence, trust-building, and inclusive communication rather than hierarchical authority. Female leaders who demonstrate empathy, openness, and authenticity tend to generate stronger internal engagement and broader collaboration within their communities. Three mechanisms emerged as critical in building social capital: Emotional Connectivity, Collaborative Decision-Making and Trust and Reciprocity. Overall, KGWs act as micro-ecosystems of trust and empowerment, where female-led leadership transforms social relationships into tangible forms of local development and community resilience. Practical Implications: The research provides valuable insights for rural development practitioners and policymakers. Leadership training for members of KGWs should emphasize emotional intelligence, participatory management, and collaborative decision-making. Empowering local female leaders can lead to sustainable community development and enhanced local governance. Additionally, municipalities and rural development agencies should recognize KGWs as key partners in implementing local innovation policies. Creating formal cooperation frameworks between KGWs, schools, and local governments could strengthen social capital and improve civic participation. Finally, incorporating findings into public education and leadership development programs may help replicate successful KGW models across different regions, thus fostering broader rural resilience and social cohesion. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the growing literature on leadership and social capital by offering one of the first empirically grounded analyses of gendered leadership within rural Polish organizations. By integrating theories of transformational leadership, participatory governance, and social innovation, it provides a novel analytical framework for understanding community-based leadership. The research also highlights the role of KGWs as micro-laboratories of rural development and civic participation, offering an alternative model of governance rooted in trust, reciprocity, and shared responsibility. The findings extend existing theories of social capital by showing how informal female leadership can act as a driver of sustainable community transformation, especially in peripheral and underdeveloped regions.