Introduction
Are We Paying Attention? The Gender Gap in Pay and Leadership. Click here to read a recent discussion post on Marist College's LinkedIn group for public relations alumni and students. Think about the implications of data and questions raised in this post, and publish your thoughts and comments about leadership and gender in the public relations profession.
- Rampell, C. (2010, Sept. 27). Still Few Women in Management, Report Says. New York Times. (http://nyti.ms/bT2eEI)
- Toth, E. (2009). Diversity and public relations practice. (http://bit.ly/9gYs5w)
The Velvet Ghetto & Glass Ceiling
- Velvet Ghetto Summary Report, International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) (Click here.)
- Toth, E. (2001). How feminist theory advanced the practice of public relations. In R. L. Heath (Ed.), Handbook of public relations (pp. 237-247). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (Google Books excerpt)
- KCRA-TV News Report: UC Davis "Glass Ceiling" Study, 2007
Work-Life Balance
- Sha, B., & Toth, E. L. (2004). Perceptions of work, life, and gender issues in public relations. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Communication Association, New Orleans, LA. (http://bit.ly/crVuPt). Abstract: Despite much scholarship on practitioners’ perceptions regarding the feminization of the field, little research exists on how future public relations professionals view the field and their potential in it. This exploratory study begins to fill that void through an on-line survey of PRSSA members (n=566; response rate=9.01 percent). Factor analysis indicated that “gender on the job” and “salaries” most affected future professionals’ perceptions of the field. Analysis of variance showed significant gender differences in perceptions of numerous issues, particularly salaries.
Perceptions and Perspectives
- Farmer, B., & Waugh, L. (Summer 1999). Gender differences in public relations students' career attitudes: a benchmark study. Public Relations Review, 25(2), 235-249. Abstract: Numerous articles have examined differences in men's and women's experiences in public relations, but few studies have explored students' perceptions of gender issues. This study fills that gap. A two-page survey instrument was completed during April/May 1997 by 430 students studying public relations at 17 different schools across the United States. There were no statistically significant differences in male and female students' desires to perform managerial activities, but there were statistically significant differences in several areas. Female students reported they expect to earn less money starting out and to be promoted more slowly than their male counterparts expect. Female students were more likely to believe that they will need to postpone having a family in order to advance in their careers. Additionally, female students reported they want to “do it all” — both managerial and technical activities. These findings have both positive and negative implications for the profession.The findings from this study have both positive and negative implications for the profession. The data seem to support the need for continued focus on women's advancement issues, particularly in the area of young women's career expectations and young men's attitudes toward women in managerial positions.
- An interview with public relations scholar, teacher, and leader Dr. Elizabeth Toth.
 |
| Click here to play video. Elizabeth Toth, Professor & Chair Department of Communication, University of Maryland (Video courtesy of the Plank Center for for Leadership in Public Relations.) |
