What is Complex Ambiguity

The metaphorical concept of the ‘Queen Bee' now transcends situational contexts to such an extent that it has become a universal focus for both contexts of research and professional practice. Global crises provide a unique context of perspective for the manifestations of gender inequity to be revealed within the context of leadership and management in higher education. From an historical perspective a woman whose behaviours were identifiable as being characteristic of a queen bee, became associated with the notion of projected enmity towards other, typically younger women who may be able to compete with them professionally. This chapter will illuminate key aspects of the queen bee complex through a lens of perspective which permits a metacognitive consideration of gender-based standpoints in higher education.