Case Study 2: Double-voicing and Leadership in Business Meetings

Abstract

This chapter pursues all three lines of inquiry (power, gender and linguistic expertise) by investigating individual case studies of three senior business leaders — two women and one man. A prominent social issue concerning gender relations is explored — namely, that women are still failing to progress to senior management and boardroom roles at the same rate as men. A micro-linguistic analysis of management meeting transcripts reveals how leaders use all five types of double-voicing to achieve their business goals. The chapter assesses what an understanding of the five types of double-voicing can contribute to the issue of women’s lack of presence at senior management level.