Workers ID Their Holiday Movie Boss

Christmas gifts in a pile. CREDIT: Jim Barber, Shutterstock View full size image

After a Christmas weekend filled with watching holiday movies, a new poll shows many employees will return to an office with a boss reminiscent of George Bailey – or, in some cases, the Grinch.

A recent CareerBuilder survey found that nearly 20 percent of employees said their boss is well liked and always willing to help others, just like the mild-mannered star of the classic "It's a Wonderful Life."

Nearly 15 percent compared their supervisor to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer thanks to an ability to successfully navigate through tough situations.

Many employees also found similarities between their boss and characters from "A Christmas Story." Eight percent said their manager was like the young Ralphie, staying focused on one goal – be it a Red Ryder BB Gun or something else – and thinking of nothing else, while another 8 percent said Ralphie's father, known for swearing a lot when things don't go quite as planned, was a closer match to their superior.

Other characters that employees compare their bosses to include Willie from "Bad Santa," who was rough around the edges but not a bad person deep down, and energetic Kevin of "Home Alone," due to a resourcefulness and independence.

But not everyone had such glowing reviews.

Comparisons also were made to the Grinch, a character known for keeping his distance though he longed to be part of the group, "Christmas Vacation's" Clark Griswald, famous for having nothing go quite right for him, and Buddy from "Elf," who was naïve and easily awed.

The poll was based on surveys of more than 4,500 U.S. full-time employees.

This story was provided by BusinessNewsDaily, a sister site to LiveScience.