Genetic/hormonal factors - "hard-wiring" of the brain
Environmental/social factors - the way we are treated
In the workplace, communication style differences are a key aspect
Differences in body language:
Eye contact - females maintain it for longer than males
Space - women approach more closely
Facial expressions/gestures - women more skilled at sending and interpreting them
Differences in participation:
Who talks the most?
In mixed gender groups men spend more time talking than women;
people who talk more are perceived as dominant
Who interrupts?
Men interrupt women more often than women interrupt men;
women are more likely than men to allow an interruption to be successful;
people who are interrupted are seen as less powerful
The impact of gender differences:
Women have less opportunity to contribute ideas
Women perceived as weaker, less competent
Differences in making requests:
Use of tag questions vs. clear statements - "It's cold in here, isn't it?"
