Communication and Gender

Communication and Gender

Rosalyn C. Samonte

Abstract

This paper is being written to examine the conclusions found from various readings on communication and gender. There is an attempt by presenting various workplace examples that men and women have different communication styles. There may be some effect on organization because of the different communication styles.

Communication and Gender

It is well established in study after study that there are differences in the way men and women communicate. Various factors have been cited as reasons for this. The most significant, however, points to the intention or framework assumed by communicator as the factor that determines the communication style.

Men are known to have dominance, or something akin to this intention, at the back of their mind as they are communicating. This is borne out of a competitive and hierarchical nature and relates to values like being bold, capable, assertive, admired, practical and, of course, competitive and dominant. Women, when they communicate, have the intention of establishing a relationship and gaining trust. They look for similarities in the other person. Values related are warmth, cooperation, loving, generous, sympathetic, attractive, friendly and giving.

The difference in intentions or values are traced to the programming and wiring of both genders, intended for both to be able to accomplish their respective roles. Men have always been expected to provide for the family and have the unenviable task of struggling with the harsh outside world to bring home the proverbial bacon. Women, on the other hand, are tasked with the bearing, birthing, nourishing, and caring for the children. It is not hard, therefore, to imagine how the above-mentioned roles influence values which in turn influence communication style.

Men are direct to the point when they communicate. They want to get things done and so communicate powerfully, sometimes being blunt, confrontational or even outright offensive. They talk to exchange information and solve a problem.

Women are indirect, tactful, indiscreet and even manipulative in their communication style. They talk to establish rapport and explore feelings and opinions. Connecting emotionally is important and small talk is not shunned. Usually, women have no problem blurting out what's on their mind while men tend to be more careful fearing vulnerability if they share too much of themselves. Related to this, women are comfortable talking out their issues while men tend to go inward with them fearing the perception that they don't have it together.

In workplace application, complications have certainly occurred due to the difference in communication style. Women who ask questions may not necessarily be seeking information but actually voicing out an opposition in an indirect and inoffensive way. Men can totally miss this and proceed not regarding the opposition that was brought up.

Problems in communication style differences usually occur during the early stages of a relationship where trust has yet to be established. Women do well in giving their trust early on and it is known that where trust was present, more things tended to be accomplished. Fields where trust was primary in importance are usually dominated by women. An example is the real estate industry where 65% of people involved are women. On the contrary, the stock exchange is male dominated because here is a place that appreciates directness and has not much need for teamwork and the like.

Bold and powerful delivery of communication may be interpreted as harassment while tact and indirectness may be seen as weakness. In a workplace environment, these values need to be tamed to avoid employees offending other employees. This protects the company from spending money on lawsuits concerning harassment issues.

Addressing diversity is another way a company addresses the difference in gender communication styles. Understanding and acknowledging the existence of these differences will help a company to compete in the global market. Therefore, awareness brought about by researches and various studies also enhances the effectiveness of an organization