How positive father–daughter communication builds women’s leadership aspirations through a developmental cascade of self-efficacy and risk-taking

To investigate the gender gap in leadership, this study examines developmental antecedents, specifically assessing whether positive father–daughter communication serves as a precursor for leadership aspirations in young women. The study investigates the specific psychological mechanisms involved. We hypothesized that this relationship initiates a serial mediation process, specifically involving general self-efficacy and the disposition toward professional risk-taking. The sample consisted of 558 Gen Z women residing in Iraq, aged 18 to 26 years. To assess the variables of communication quality, ambition, efficacy, and risk behavior, we utilized standard psychometric scales. Demographic covariates were controlled to isolate the associations between the family environment and psychological outcomes. The analysis supports a full mediation model. While positive paternal communication demonstrated a significant total effect on aspirations (0.523), the direct effect was non-significant. The influence is exerted entirely through indirect pathways: primarily through self-efficacy (0.325), and via a sequential chain wherein communication enhances self-efficacy, which subsequently facilitates professional risk-taking. Positive father–daughter communication is posited as a foundational asset. It fosters leadership aspirations by building up a woman’s store of psychological capital. These results challenge simple direct-effect models, supporting a ‘resource gain spiral’ framework. The development of female leadership motivation appears to depend on the prior accumulation of self-belief and the ability to navigate risk.