Women are more likely to emulate Melanie Griffiths in the classic 80s film Working Girl and succeed at business than they are to become actresses.

Women actresses are at a disadvantage to men but female sales managers are more efficient, according to two separate studies by the Warwick Business School.

The research showed that more work is available for male actors, with women being less likely to be accepted at drama colleges. It also claimed women’s career longevity is much shorter.

Researcher Dr Deborah Dean also found that pay, largely based on the performer’s market value, is lower than a male actor’s because there are fewer work opportunities.

But the studies also revealed that sales units headed by female bosses are significantly more effective.

Professor Nigel Piercy and Dr Nikala Lane concluded that female managers prefer to use ‘behaviour control’ rather than commissions to motivate their teams.

They also showed that female sales managers are more supportive in managing their staff than men.