Over the years, sexual discrimination within the workplace has become less prominent. However, gendered organizational communication is often a key factor in workplace interactions and the overall success or failure of communication. Specifically, many stereotypes exist regarding women and men, masculine and feminine norms, and gendered patterns of communication in organizations. The interworking of gendered relationships within the workplace and the factors that contribute to the success or failure of communication interactions help set the tone within corporations throughout our country. It is important to examine the meaning of personal workplace relationships and models of personal relationships and gain an understanding of how we (the sexes) can better coexist and work together. It is important to understand that, as Wood (2015) explains, "personal relationships are those in which partners depend upon each other for various things ranging from material assistance to affection" and that "partners regard each other as unique individuals who cannot be replaced" and, finally, that "of the many relationships we form, only a few become really personal" (pp. 185-186).
Male and Female Leadership-Style Stereotypes Within the Workplace
Females
1. Females are expected to play the role of a mother and be nurturing, supportive, and deferential.
2. Females are expected to smile constantly, listen, and support others
3. Female employees who are mothers are often considered less reliable and less committed to their work.
4. Females are more critical of other women.
5. Females lead democratically.
6. Females use only positive reinforcement.
Males
1. Men are expected to be tough and not show affect.
2. Men are expected to be aggressive and commit themselves more to work than to family.
3. Men are expected to outearn women.
4. Men often feel their identity is linked to their earning power.
5. Men use less positive reinforcement.
6. Men are very direct.
7. Men like to work independently.
References
Wood, J. T. (2010). Gendered lives: Communication, gender and culture. Beverly, MA: Wadsworth.
Wood, J. T., & Bodey, K. R. (2010). Gendered lives: Communication, gender and culture [Instructor's Resource Manual]. Beverly, MA: Wadsworth.
Overview
Create an 8-12-slide narrated PowerPoint presentation on gender and communication in the workplace.
This assessment allows you to apply what you know about gender and communication to a professional environment.
Context
The Assessment 5 Context document reviews differences between male and female leadership-style stereotypes that influence the workplace.
You may wish to review the document for an overview of these key concepts and ideas.
Resources
Suggested Resources
The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom.