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Gender Stereotypes

The diversity found in today’s business world makes it essential to understand gender differences and avoid stereotyping at all cost. “Understanding the potential gender-based differences in communication styles, related traits, and wok styles can allow members of both sexes to overcome stereotypes,” (de Janasz, Dowd, & Schneider, 2009, p. 100) therefore avoiding conflicts and creating more productive environments.

Research demonstrates that there are gender differences in the styles and structures used to communicate information, therefore setting the grounds for stereotype. Women are often perceived to be unclear, unleader like, and more sensitive while men are believed to be more aggressive, competitive and more practical (de Janasz, Dowd, & Schneider, 2009). Although the differences in styles are present, the stereotypes remain a barrier for establishing successful business environments.

“Evidence from a variety of fields suggests that communication issues contribute to barriers in advances in organizations, or at least to a variety of misunderstanding between women and men” (Barrett & Davidson, 2006, p. 2). Taking into account also that most earlier recommendations for proper business communication was researched by males in male dominated business environment it is easy to see how earlier, less diversity oriented business literature, suggested directness, forcefulness and simplicity to establish effective communication in the business world, all which represent a male interaction style.

As the business world grows to include a larger number of female leaders, research has established that although different, female style of communication can be as powerful and successful as its male based predecessor (Barrett & Davidson, 2006). Globalization and the increasing service sector, has established the need for people skills, which includes interaction among individuals of different cultural backgrounds as well as gender, placing a stronger...