Women in leadership roles in Canadian public relations/communications management: "You've (almost) come a long way, baby"

Abstract

Despite decades of advocacy and research at the intersection of gender and public relations, and an encouraging increase in the overall number of women who have entered the profession, significant issues of gender discrimination and inequity persist. Women now comprise the majority of professionals working in public relations, but they remain excluded from most executive positions and lack access to the dominant coalition. While certain industries are more likely to encourage female advancement and pay equity, the persistence of this issue in other sectors is not only a human rights obstacle but a failure to acknowledge the competitive advantage of diversity and representation at the most senior levels. While research has captured facets of this inequity in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe, little evidence exists as to the experiences of women in public relations in Canada. This study, using survey data and in-depth interviews, builds on previous research into the factors that advance or prevent the career progression of women in public relations/communications management, including mentorship, professional memberships and the impact of the “boy’s club”. It turns particular attention to the phenomenon of imposter syndrome, how it is discussed amongst women in PR, and what can be done to reach long-term gender equity in the public relations/communications management sector.