EQUALITY GUIdE - KU Leuven

Chapter 4 ! Scientific communication 205
4.1.1.6. The glass ceiling at the university
See general introduction for more information about the glass ceiling at universities.
4.1.1.7. Differences between women and men
Another question is whether men are different. A recent research by a female journalist
who infiltrated as a man in men’s clubs, shows the following differences: among men
exists a kind of ‘brotherhood’ and contacts between men seem to be easier than between
men and women. This is largely due to sex differences, to the different worlds.
Men have more authority and self-confidence and pay more attention to their careers
on the long term.
4.1.1.8. Gender and communication?
The combination of gender and communication is not an obvious one. The participants
in the test training were asked what they think about it.
According to the participants, we need to distinguish two levels of communication: 1)
career communication and 2) social talk. The questions they asked themselves were
when to use which words? What to say in which situation? What is the correct strategy?
Can you talk about your family? How to communicate in a concise and efficient way?
Are there any rules with respect to communication? What does a targeted communication
imply and how do you use communication in a strategic way? What do you say to
whom? How can you make sure people (e.g. your promoter) listen to you? Perhaps,
too much communication is not the way to go either? In short, the participants hoped
to discover the do’s and don’ts of communication strategies in the training.
A second subject handles about the aim of networking and how to network as strategically
as possible? How can you use communication to increase your visibility and to
create more chances? How can you find good and reliable mentors/counsellors?
The third point they discussed was the relationship with male superiors. Male professors,
who are higher in rank, can use their power. How do you handle delicate situations?
How do you avoid trouble while saying what you have to say? How can you use
arguments that do not fit their framework? How can you refuse tasks and assignments
(e.g. education tasks, caring tasks) in a tolerable way? How can your communication
style help you to avoid people taking advantage of you?
Daring to talk about your career without seeming too ambitious and without influencing
the process is a fourth point of interest. The participants wanted to get tips about
how to express their expectations. How can you communicate about your ambitions
without being seen as a ‘bee queen’ (or becoming one)?
How do you communicate (emotions) to the people who stipulate your career? What
has to be emphasized on your CV, which details do you need to include (or not)? In