Gender & Communication

Running head: GENDER AND COMMUNICATION

Gender and Communication

Alicia M. Smith

Ashford University Online

BUS 600: Management Communication with Technology Tools

July 16, 2010

Instructor: Thomas Matula, Ph.D.

Gender and Communication

Gender and communication is a topic that has been widely discussed and researched for years, seeking to find the answers to: Do men and women communicate differently and does it make a difference in the workplace? Communication among individuals can include; speaking a language, conversing through written words, and even body-language of an individual. In simplest form, communication is the way two or more people speak and in return comprehend a message. No matter the form or style in which communication transcends from one person to the other the ultimate goal is to present a question, concern, or thought in the most unambiguous way. To become an effective communicator, the sender must be precise and clear with the intent or means of the message and present it with minimal jargon to the reader. The role of the reader is to appropriately decode the given information, verify comprehension of sent information and if lack of knowledge is present, follow-up with the originator of the message. Now taking communication a step further, how will gender play different roles within the communication channel? Do men and women deliver messages differently to subordinates? In the following is a look into gender and how effective communication is perceived through their eyes.

In the article titled ‘The Style Split’ (2005), author Angela Beasley poses the question “Do mean and women really differ in the way they lead” (Beasley, 2005)? According to Beasley, “it is important to understand the differing dynamics of male and female leadership styles and to use them to foster more productive work environments” (Beasley, 2005). Communication is perhaps one of the biggest skill sets that will require countless attempts to achieve success. The...