Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Ch. 7/Frame 1 Gender Differences at work
In regards to this chapter, I was able to relate to some research findings as well as be completely appalled by others. In the differences between mens "report talk" and women's "rapport talk", I understand the differences and even agree with most. Women do tend to share more of a feeling based conversation than a man might. However, just as a man a woman can focus soley on work talk. Of course in free conversation a woman might talk more about personal issues in a safe context, the same way a man might defer from work talk and speak about a sporting event or another aspect in his life. Either way I see both genders being able to focus on work equally when the time calls for it. I was also extremely bothered by the example given regarding the one-time negotiation story. That same story can be reversed to a woman asking for a ahigher offer and a man not. Personally I don't think that has anything to do with how genders communicate. It has more to do with having some courage and taking a shot at something.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I agree with your comments on the topic of women's ability to speak solely about work related topics. It does seem that in free conversation, women are more likely to sway back to personal topics than men; sports are not a personal topic.
Negotiations for salary are carried out very differently depending on gender. As a manager, I see a stark difference in negotiation styles, and the amount of interaction I have. Women tend to accept a first offer and rarely will I need to negotiate a second offer. Men tend to go back and forth, often not in writing but verbally until an agreement is met. Women's negotiations tend to stay on the topic of salary compensation whereas men will veer off and negotiate lower wages for extra vacation or medical insurance start dates. Men are often more open to taking one time start bonuses or asking for a review and raise after the first three months. Women do not ask for these expenses and thus they are not obtaining or utilizing all the tools available to them.
Athina Scores!
Post a Comment