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Do My Bosses Speak Alike: Gender Differences in Leaders’ Communication Style and its Effects on Relationship Building in Virtual and Hybrid Teams
Lasisi, Omolola
Lasisi, Omolola
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Abstract
This discussion panel will explore leaders' communication styles and relationship-building in virtual and hybrid teams. We focus on these teams as they have become increasingly common post-COVID. (Rupcic, 2024). Although it has been established that female and male leaders communicate differently (Carli & Eagly, 2001), it is, still useful to explore whether this difference in communication style is also present when leaders work with virtual or hybrid teams. Panelists will draw upon existing conversations and research on leaders' communication styles to explore what changes are present and the impact on relationship-building. We focus on relationship-building because it is important in achieving team success (Chen & Sriphon, 2021), which is the end goal of every group endeavor. Our discussion will also explore how power dynamics, gender stereotypes, and social expectations may influence a leader's choice of communication style. This is because leaders may adopt certain behaviors due to the pressures of societal expectations (Eagly and Karau, 2002). The purpose of this discussion panel is to go beyond highlighting any perceived differences in leaders' communication styles within these teams, to explore how these perceived differences may affect a leader's relationship with their followers. This is possible as research already proves that a leader's communication style can influence employee creativity and team success (Yin et al., 2020). It is important to discuss these topics as communication is central to effective leadership (de Vries et al., 2010), and leadership is present in various organizing contexts (health, local communities, government). We, therefore, hope to explain how leaders can embrace and tap into whatever their unique communication style is to foster and encourage relationship-building and team cohesion.
As we look to widen our scope and knowledge of gender in communication and organizing, this panel discussion is relevant because it will further draw the attention of attendees to the presence of gender stereotypes and bias within various teams. This knowledge will contribute to conversations on gender equality in the workplace and research on the importance of creating inclusive spaces where leaders are judged based on character and not gender. Our panel discussion conversation is also relevant to attendees as it may spark further research in the areas of leadership communication, interpersonal relationships in the workplace, and the role of communication in fostering team cohesion. Overall, our discussion aims to explore leaders' communication styles and further, our knowledge of the role communication plays in successful leadership.
Description
This is the paper from a presentation given at Central States Communication Association Conference on 04/06/2025.
Date
2025-04-06
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University of Kansas
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LasisiO_2025.pdf
Adobe PDF, 76.69 KB
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Keywords
Leadership, Virtual teams, Relationship building, Communication styles, Hybrid teams