Entrepreneurial Women in Public Relations: Why Open Collars

摘要

This study explores the growing phenomenon of women in public relations who runtheir own business from home. Based on issues such as unequal pay and promotions for women, feminine stereotypes, sexual harassment and the difficulty in making adequate child care arrangements, the author explored whether sexual discrimination is a contributing factor toward women leaving companies and launching their own public relations business. Case studies of twelve open collar women in public relations were conducted. Each in-person interview gathered information from questions, observations and documentations. Resulting information was compared and contrasted to add insight into the open collar situation. The findings indicated that autonomy and flexibility were the main motivators for the women's open collar move, and economic feasibility was an important factor. Lack of adequate child care was not found to be as direct an influence as the women's strong desire to be able to spend time with their children. Promotion and salary discrepancies were of considerable concern to the women, but were not found to be the most important reasons they left their companies. Sexual harassment was considered a relief to get away from, but was not found to directly factor in the open collar move. None of the women experienced problems with stereotyping; all were respected as professionals. (sdw)