<p>Previous research has typically conceptualized leader authority and benevolence as dimensions of paternalistic leadership, combining the two in a composite measure of paternalistic leadership. This study expands the focus to the congruence between authoritative leadership (AL) and benevolent leadership (BL) and its impact on employee outcomes. Drawing on relational identification theory, we theorize that AL-BL congruence plays a critical role in shaping relational identification, which, in turn, promotes thriving at work. Using polynomial regression and response surface analysis with survey data from 336 employees in China, we find that higher AL-BL congruence strengthens relational identification, with congruence at high levels amplifying this effect more than at low levels. Further, relational identification mediates the positive relationship between AL-BL congruence and employee thriving. Our findings advance the paternalistic leadership literature by demonstrating that the congruence of AL and BL, not just their absolute levels, drives its effectiveness in fostering employee thriving. Practically, our results suggest that leaders should align authoritative and benevolent behaviors to cultivate stronger relational identification bonds and enhance employee thriving.</p>