Gender and Modes of Collaboration in a Chemical Engineering Design Course

Journal of Business and Technical Communication Oct 1991

Gender and Modes of Collaboration in a Chemical Engineering Design Course

ELIZABETH A. FLYNN ; GERALD SAVAGE ; MARSHA PENTI ; CAROL BROWN ; SARAH WATKE Michigan Technological University

Abstract

Modes of collaboration are gendered in the sense that they define power relationships among members of a group. In this study, the authors define three collaborative modes: dialogic, asymmetrical, and hierarchical. Dialogic and asymmetrical modes are emancipating and characterized by flexibility, open-ended inquiry, and concern for the growth and development of the individuals involved. Hierarchical modes are oppressive and are characterized by rigidity and suppression of the voices of others in the group. Two collaborative writing groups in a chemical engineering design course exemplify these modes. The first, composed of two women and two men, was primarily dialogic, and the second, composed of two women and three men, exhibited characteristics of all three modes.

Journal: Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Published: 1991-10-01
DOI: 10.1177/1050651991005004006
Open Access: Closed
Topics: multimodality voice and style

Citation Context

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Cites in this index (1)

Lunsford et al. (1990)

Rhetoric in a new key: Women and collaboration

Rhetoric Review

Also cites 2 works outside this index ↓

10.1177/002194368602300404

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10.1109/47.31626

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CrossRef global citation count: 23 View in citation network →