The (She) Wolf of Wall Street: Myth or Reality

The recent release of the ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ movie has reignited interest in the extreme lifestyle and behaviours of Wall Street executives. The movie portrays life in ‘Front Office’ Investment Management as one characterised by excess, and those who succeed in the sector as assertive, driven individuals who all happen to be male. Using the lens of gender, this research examines, within an Irish context, what perceptions and beliefs are held among potential entrants to the sector regarding the personality traits necessary to survive and succeed. Subsequently, the influence, if any, of experience of working in the sector is explored for both men and women. The research makes an important contribution to existing literature by exploring whether the ‘wolfish’ characteristics deemed essential for survival in the hegemonic-masculine Investment Management environment have led women to believe they will never fit within this culture and as such opt out. Findings indicated that gender differences were apparent among potential entrants to the sector with women ranking assertiveness, confidence and the ability to network more highly than their male peers. Experience of working in the sector did not affect the views of women. For men working in the sector less importance was placed on factors such as confidence, personal initiative and communication skills when compared with male peers with no experience