Women leading change: ethical insights, gender dynamics and fraud oversight in church governance

Purpose This study aims to explore how women lead with integrity in religious organizations by examining their roles in financial governance and fraud prevention. It highlights the intersection of gender, leadership and accountability within faith-based institutions, focusing on how female leaders navigate social and cultural expectations to uphold organizational ethics. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative interpretive design was used, using semistructured interviews, participant observation and document analysis. The study was conducted at Church K.D., involving a female church leader, financial manager, board supervisor, external auditor and congregation member to capture diverse perspectives on governance and leadership. Findings Women leaders emerge as agents of transparency and cultural change by promoting inclusive communication and participatory governance. They skillfully balance assertiveness and empathy in a patriarchal religious context. Social norms and interpersonal relationships play key roles in strengthening internal controls and enhancing fraud prevention beyond formal policies. Originality/value This research contributes to understanding gendered leadership in religious settings by demonstrating how women uphold integrity and challenge patriarchal norms through ethical financial governance. Integrating gender performativity and fraud prevention theories, this study provides fresh insights into the transformative impact of women’s leadership on organizational accountability.