Gender differences in dominance and affiliation during a demanding interaction.
Evolution theory predicts that in social situations, men will show more behavioral dominance, whereas women will show more behavioral affiliation. To ensure maximum ecological validity, observation in a real-life situation that calls for uniform behavior is the strongest test. To reduce bias because of stereotyping within observers, the author used molecular behavioral observations, in which the verbal and nonverbal behavior of 10 men and 10 women was observed in an executive job selection assessment center where they were actual applicants. Men showed more dominance, especially head shaking, sitting in a closed posture, and using closed questions and directive remarks. Women showed more affiliation, especially in frequency of laughing, sitting in an open posture, and posing open questions.
Luxen
Marc F
MF
Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. M.F.Luxen@ppsw.rug.nl
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009426:Netherlands; D019370:Observation; D010560:Personnel Selection; D012723:Sex; D012919:Social Behavior; D012930:Social Dominance