ABSTRACT
This chapter analysed the leadership styles and leadership preferences of women in the public relations industry in England and these findings were analysed against data on socialisation. Bourdieu’s habitus and blokishness were used as a theoretical framework, along with the difference approach. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 26 women who hold both managerial and employee roles and come from diverse backgrounds and diverse walks of life. Thematic analysis was used to analyse findings. Results show that women who were socialised with girls demonstrate feminine leadership characteristics and prefer female bosses, whereas women who were socialised with boys demonstrate masculine leadership characteristics and prefer to work for men. Women who demonstrate masculine characteristics go ahead and become managers but face catch 22 because they are perceived negatively by women employees.
