Female physicians in senior management positions during a crisis: a constructive multimodal communication framework of feminine leadership

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the present study is to explore multimodal, i.e. verbal and nonverbal, gendered communication patterns of female physicians in senior management positions (governmental and health authorities) during a crisis. Design/methodology/approach Using a mixed multi-variable design, repeated ANOVA tests, and planned contrasts, the authors analyzed television appearances of 20 female physicians in senior management positions during the COVID-19 crisis (March/2020-April/2021). Findings The findings revealed patterns of mixed-gendered communication structures. Verbally, female physicians primarily displayed a masculine/agentic communication style of assertiveness, control, confidence and rationality. Nonverbally, however, they expressed a feminine/communal communication style of emotional attention, interpersonal sensitivity, responsiveness, kindness and empathy. Moreover, the analysis delineated integrated multimodal constructive vs. inhibitive communication strategies for crisis communication of female physicians in senior management positions. Research limitations/implications In the current research the authors did not compare females to males in health management positions, which is their follow-up project, but the authors did examine studies of males and females in management positions in the political sphere, which supported their findings. Therefore, the authors were able to demonstrate theoretical implications of multimodal gendered communication frameworks of feminine leadership. Practical implications Delineating verbal and nonverbal gendered communicative structures of effective management in health sectors can help female physicians assume positions of leadership, serve as guide models for other female physicians and contribute to improving effective communication skills during a crisis. Social implications This study contributes to the attempts of promoting gender equity in medicine and management by presenting effective communication strategies in medical crises that can help to promote female physicians’ messages development, social influence, leadership and management success in the future. Originality/value This article presents constructive, multimodal gendered communication frameworks of female physicians in senior management positions used in television appearances during the global COVID-19 crisis. Most previous studies in this area have examined either verbal or nonverbal communication mode. The value of this multimodal examination provides insights that may enhance constructive communication of female physicians in senior management positions during a crisis.