Discuss the relationship of men's and women's communication styles to the Hershey/Blanchard situational leadership model

Men and women communicate differently. Men generally approach work tasks in a confrontational and result-oriented manner that may convey dominance. Women tend to work in a collaborative manner that is oriented toward concern for the individual. While men tend to communicate in a way that is restrictive and controlling, their adversarial male style leads to respect while the collaborative female style engenders rapport. Additionally, women often talk less and are more supportive.

Men and women often sit separately, thereby limiting cross-gender interaction. Stereotyping males as meeting leaders and women as note takers restricts optimal role assignments. All of these gender issues can hinder effective communication among people. The Hershey/ Blanchard situational leadership model does not prescribe a single leadership style, but advocates that what is appropriate in each case depends on the follower (subordinate) and the task to be performed. However, directive behavior, as defined in the theory is more in keeping with traditional male behavior—the leader giving detailed rules and instructions and monitoring closely that they are followed. Supportive behavior, in which the leader listens, communicates, and encourages, is more associated with traditional female communication patterns.