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‘Women take care and men take charge’: The case of leadership and gender in the Public and Commercial Services Union

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Listed:
  • Julie Prowse

    (University of Bradford, UK)

  • Peter Prowse

    (Sheffield Hallam University, UK)

  • Robert Perrett

    (Independent researcher, UK)

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a case study that aimed to understand the specific leadership styles that are valued by women and men lay representatives in the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) and to determine the gendered implications for increasing women’s leadership and representation in trade unions. Survey responses from PCS lay representatives (reps) show the majority of women and men agreed that the leadership style they value, and that makes a good union leader, is post-heroic (communal) leadership. This approach is associated with leadership characteristics such as being helpful, sensitive and kind and are generally practised by women. This contrasts with male union leaders who are associated with a traditional, heroic (agentic) leadership style characterised by confidence, self-reliance and decisiveness. Although some differences exist that highlight gender issues, both women and men lay reps have positive attitudes towards increasing women’s representation and participation in union leadership.

Suggested Citation

  • Julie Prowse & Peter Prowse & Robert Perrett, 2022. "‘Women take care and men take charge’: The case of leadership and gender in the Public and Commercial Services Union," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 43(2), pages 773-792, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:43:y:2022:i:2:p:773-792
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X20943682
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Judy Wajcman, 2000. "Feminism Facing Industrial Relations in Britain," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 38(2), pages 183-201, June.
    2. Gill Kirton, 2015. "Progress Towards Gender Democracy in UK Unions 1987–2012," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 53(3), pages 484-507, September.
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