Abstract
Much has been written about gender differences in communication. Gender stereotypes propose that men communicate in a direct manner and focus on information; women communicate in an indirect manner and focus on relationships. Tannen (1995) suggests that gender differences in communication contribute to the “glass ceiling.” Further, Eubanks (2000) noted that the Internet and the World Wide Web are actively and aggressively hostile to women. Such discourse fosters gender stereotypes of the past and paints a gloomy picture for women with regard to participation and success in the realm of workplace e-collaboration.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Gender Stereotypes: Generalizations made about how and why men and women differ in what they choose to do and how they choose to do it.
Marking: The presence of cues from which attributions are made.
Social Presence Theory: A communication theory that proposes a one-dimensional continuum of social presence, which reflects the degree of awareness of the other person in a communication interaction.
Mindful Communication: Communication that is planful, processed with effort, creative, strategic, and reason (rather than emotion) based.
Lean E-Communication: Primarily text-based communication, void of voice and image capability.
Media Richness Theory: A communication theory that places media upon continuum with regard to their capacity to provide rapid feedback, convey non-verbal cues and personality, and support the use of natural language.
E-Collaboration: People working together using electronic technologies such as computers, the Internet, video conferencing, and wireless devices.