The Micropolitics of Gender at Work

The Micropolitics of Gender at Work investigates the experiences of 21 women in leadership who rocked the boat in the central office of a large education department in Australia, disrupting a masculinist, hierarchical and increasingly managerialist culture that advantaged men. Through qualitative research Peters illuminates why all of the women, ranging from project leaders to CEOs, chose to leave. Why these talented, articulate and capable women, most with inclusive management styles, encountered barriers and resistance from the men in power. Their stories, views and opinions reveal a profound questioning of the masculinist and bureaucratic culture. Yet these female leaders recognised that behaviours cannot be divided neatly along gender lines. Many cited examples of a new wave of women they considered had become honorary males, responsible for perpetuating rather than resisting deeply entrenched practices. A stimulating read for scholars of education, gender, management and organisational behavior and anyone interested in the micropolitical and gendered processes that can block career progress and drive out talent.