Transcript gender differences in communication

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN COMMUNICATION
MANAGEMENT MODULE
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER
HELENE WESSMANN
JANUARY 2002
GENDER EQUALITY
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Gender Equality means accepting and valuing equally
the differences between women and men and the
diverse roles they play in society.
In other words, it means equal visibility,
empowerment and participation of both sexes in all
spheres of public and private life.
WHAT ARE THE GENDER DIFFERENCES IN
COMMUNICATION?
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Men and Women –
different styles of Communication?
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Verbal and Non-Verbal Gender Communication.
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Gender and Power.
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How to facilitate the Gender Communication Process.
MALE COMMUNICATION STYLE
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Argumentative
Aggressive
Forceful
Blunt
Intense Language
Control
Individualism
FEMALE COMMUNICATION STYLE
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Complex
Literate
Socio intellectual
Aesthetic value
Detailed
More Questions
Facilitate Conversation
NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
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BODY LANGUAGE
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DRESS CODE
DO DIFFERENCES IN STYLES OF COMMUNICATION
RELATE TO POWER?
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Women are not well enough represented in top
management and political positions.
Do some well qualified women miss out on potential
job opportunities due to their communication style?
Are companies and organizations well enough
informed of the gender differences in
communication?
WHAT MANAGEMENT CAN DO:
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Understand that differences in gender communication
exist.
Respect these differences, they can be used
positively.
Be objective when listening.
Initiate workshops, presentations, seminars and
awareness on the subject.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Gender Definitions. Gender Center for Sustainable
Development. http://wwz.wirc.mn
Gottschalk, Amy Nelson. Shuttering the Glass
Ceiling-A Strategy for Survival.
http://www.diversitydtg.com/articles/glass.htlm, 2002.
Payne, E. Kay. Different But Equal-Communication
Between The Sexes, Westport, Praeger, 2002.
‘When the OECD Tackles Gender Issues’,
Atmosphere February 4 2001, 19.