Communication Differences Develop a Two-Page

Communication Differences

Develop a two-page paper in which you examine the conclusions you have found from your research and answer the following questions. Do men and women communicate differently? Does it make a difference in the workplace?

Do men and women communicate differently? Does it make a difference in the workplace?

The question if men and women communicate differently cannot be settled with an easy answer of 'yes' or 'no.' For example, according to the research of Palomares (2009), the assumption that women are more tentative in their use of language than their male colleagues at work was only true regarding stereotypically masculine topics in male-female but not all-female groupings. A comparative analysis of email revealed both males and females were more tentative on stereotypical topics germane to the opposite gender in mixed but not same-gender interactions. This suggests that what may be more relevant are not male and female communication styles, specifically, but perceptions of appropriate gender roles which affect the way men and women discuss certain topics with the opposite gender, or with mixed gender groups.

Additionally, Youngquist (2009), discovered that when women interrupted males in female dyads they were perceived as the most dominant of all subjects studied, while male interrupters in a male/female dyad were consistently perceived as the least dominant. This was true in the perceptions of both male and female observers, suggesting that both men and women can be affected by social gender norms. However, some studies have found measurable differences between the genders regarding communication. A study of accounting chairs by Schmidt & Madison (2008) found a higher awareness of the importance of communication and listening skills amongst female chairs as opposed to their male counterparts. Women tended to believe that it was more valuable to devote a greater percentage of class time to honing these skills than did their male colleagues. This suggests that there is a different perceived priority accorded to communication amongst males vs. females.

Gender, of course is not the only barrier to communication. Cultural references we take for granted can also prove to be communication obstacles. One human resources journal suggested that when speaking to a diverse audience the speaker should make the address as culturally neutral as possible: "1. Use clear language. 2. Use handouts for people to take away. 3. Avoid pop culture references. 4. Resist the jokes. 5. Use clear slides and language (Bond 2007, p.27). However, Frase (2007) disputes such an approach, stating: "Successful intercultural communication involves much more than eliminating colloquialisms and cultural references. It must also recognize deeper cultural differences." There is no 'culturally neutral' way of speaking, only culturally sensitive ways of attempting to broach differences. These differences can be far greater than those between men and women of the same nationality. In fact, it could be argued that men and women from the same culture are likely to share more cultural references and similarities than individuals of the same gender from different cultures. However, gender expectations of different nations can impede free and open discussion in intercultural communications, if a particular culture has yet to accept that it is appropriate for women to confidently assume positions of authority.

Although cross-cultural communication presents a challenge, globalization has made understanding the difference between high-context and low-context cultures even more vital than ever before. Implied meanings in different cultures have different levels of signification, based upon relationships. "In relationship-oriented countries like Mexico, India and China, people tend to prioritize projects based on the hierarchy of the person who owns it" in contrast to the United States, where the project itself is viewed more important than the person in charge (Frase 2007).