Evaluation and critique methods in academic research

Gendered Communication & Work Efficiency

In her book, "You just don't understand: men and women in conversation," author Deborah Tannen discussed her analysis of different conversational styles adopted by males and females in the business setting. Through her study, she was able to show how this male-female conversational style dichotomy was created for the benefit of the communicator. Male conversational style is considered as more direct and solution-oriented, while female conversational style is more supportive and aims to build human relationships.

These differences are especially apparent in the American culture, although Tannen also offers a caveat that a similar dichotomy and types of conversational styles may not be as apparent to other cultures. She warns that even though differences may exist between male and female conversations/communication, it is still important to note that cultural influences and individual conversational styles are also influential in affecting the communication and interaction of males and females in the workplace.

Indeed, communication differences between males and females are mainly and directly affected by the culture that people have. This is why in Tannen's discussion and analysis, it became apparent that work in contemporary society is geared to finding the most rational and efficient means to solve problems, men's conversational style are more geared to this task than women's style, consequently. From this argument, it may be construed that women should adopt men's conversational styles.

However, as was explicated earlier, business environment have also various cultures that encourage different type of conversational styles. This means that in so much as a direct and solution-oriented conversational style is preferred in the business setting, it does not mean that this style is the most efficient. There are "cultures" or other sectors in the business environment that uses female communication style because they are able to appeal more to the people or audience. A woman handling a focus group discussion on a product may be preferred by the discussants rather than a male moderator. Usually, people in a boardroom meeting would want to have a male, rather than female, representative to delegate the company.