Relational leadership and governing: exploring the contributions of Clan leadership in the Somali diaspora

This thesis presents a portfolio of research examining Somali diaspora perspectives on traditional clan leadership and governmental institutions. It explores similarities and differences between these governing structures, focusing on their relationships with the public and the qualities that define clan leadership. The study aims to understand how the Somali diaspora perceives clan and government institutions, assessing how each respond to its constituency in terms of leadership style and influence within adopted countries. The clan represents lineage and cultural identity for Somalis. According to Dirshe (2013, as cited in ITPCM, 2013), “Clans in Somalia are a consensual identity inherited from patriarchal ancestors, and clannism, as a political ideology, determines power, resource distribution, territorial expansion, and recruitment to influential positions” (p. 13). The government, conversely, represents the national governing authority. The study examines the diaspora's views in Canada, the United-States, and the United- Kingdom to understand each institution’s impact on Somali society. This thesis extends previous research on Somali society and its leadership by investigating the Somali diaspora community's dual experiences: (a) navigating life as dual citizens while raising children in their adopted countries and (b) perceiving Somali clan and government institutions.

The research explores cultural values and traditions in the diaspora, using a preliminary study of Somali families in Ottawa, Canada, to analyze intergenerational relations and challenges. The feasibility study was guided by Orsmond and Cohn’s (2015), Feasibility Framework; therefore, this study was to assessed whether the study could be conducted within the available time, budget, and logistical constraints, ensuring sustainable research execution. In addition, it was to evaluated the ability to coordinate research activities, including ethical considerations, language barriers, and data analysis procedures. Central to this inquiry was understanding the relationships within families and how cultural values are transmitted across generations. Narrative inquiry with semi- structured interviews was conducted with 10 Somali male participants in Ottawa, supported by a local agency, to examine parental roles in family leadership and cultural continuity. Findings suggest that, while the diaspora is proud of Somali culture, there are challenges in transmitting these values to the next generation. The study also highlights the need for local agencies to engage with immigrants and provide cultural programs that facilitate smoother transitions for children.The literature review explores Somali clan leadership, which is deeply intertwined with individual Somali identities, examining the qualities used by clan leaders. Findings indicate that Somali clan leadership aligns with relational leadership styles, underscoring the complexity of Somali culture and the need for a holistic approach in international support, policies, and programs.

The Applied Research project engaged 10 Somali participants from Canada, the U.S., and the U.K., exploring their perspectives on Somali governance and clan relations. Participants expressed strong connections to their clan lineage and evaluated the roles of clan and national leaders. They supported clan leaders collaborating with national leaders to establish stable governance. The study suggests that Somali society’s policies should incorporate traditional values to strengthen leadership restructuring and proposes that the Somali diaspora be given resources to support skills development, enabling them to contribute to Somalia’s future. A case study of a localgovernment-funded agency examined its engagement with the Somali community, analyzing strategic plans, program delivery, and decision-making practices. Findings demonstrate how the agency aligns its services with community needs, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and tailored programs. This research on Somali clan and government leadership is pertinent to Somalia’s reconstruction, providing insights for policymakers and international stakeholders who seek to rebuild Somalia. The study contributes to the understanding of traditional Somali leadership, offering lessons that may inform future leadership strategies and support the development of Somali society.