Can We Talk? An Exploratory Study of Gender and Network Ties in a Local Government Setting

TL;DR

This study investigates how gender and organizational roles influence discussion network ties among municipal employees, revealing gender-based differences in tie formation and perceptions within a local government setting.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence on gender dynamics and network homophily in organizational communication, highlighting the role of gender and position in discussion ties.

Findings

Women supervisors are more likely to initiate discussion ties.

Women are more likely to receive discussion ties.

Gender homophily influences discussion network structure.

Abstract

We explore the influence of gender and formal organizational status on the formation of discussion ties. Network data, gathered through surveying employees from a municipal organization in the United States, garnered a 92% response rate (n=143). Results of exponential random graph modeling indicate women supervisors are more likely to send discussion ties, while women in general are more likely to receive discussion ties. These exploratory results suggest women may be perceived as more approachable for work discussions, but not as supervisors. Finally, the results identified a consistent homophily effect of gender in the discussion network.