Abstract Book of the 9th International Conference on New Trends in Social Sciences
Year: 2026
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Community Leadership and Resident Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Collaboration
Yuan-shie Hwang, Li-hsin Chuang, Chien-Chung Huang
ABSTRACT:
Since the 1990s, communities have been recognized as vital spaces for addressing alienation, poverty, and inequality. In Taiwan, they have become central providers of services and care, aiming to strengthen connections and enhance residents’ well-being. Community leaders play a pivotal role in mobilizing participation, integrating resources, and fostering collaborative governance. This study examines the relationships among community leadership, collaborative relationships, and resident well-being, offering theoretical, policy, and practical implications for community practice. A quantitative design was adopted, using a structured questionnaire covering three domains: community leadership (management and problem-solving capacities), collaborative relationships (internal, neighborhood, external collaboration), and resident well-being (psychological, safety, relational dimensions). Data were collected from 795 valid responses in 40 communities across eight counties and cities using probability sampling and group-administered surveys supplemented by interviews. Results showed moderately high average scores for leadership (M = 4.11), collaboration (M = 3.97), and well-being (M = 3.83). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between leadership and collaboration (r = .771), leadership and well-being (r = .534), and collaboration and well-being (r = .590), all significant at p < .001. Regression analyses confirmed that leadership positively influenced collaboration (β = .710), collaboration enhanced well-being (β = .425), and leadership directly impacted well-being (β = .432), with collaboration partially mediating this relationship (β = .334, p < .001). These findings underscore the crucial role of leadership and collaborative networks in advancing resident well-being, suggesting that policies and practices should prioritize strengthening leadership capacity and cross-sector collaboration to foster sustainable community development.
Keywords: Community Leadership, Collaborative Relationships, Resident Well-Being, Mediation Effect, Community Development in Taiwan