Information sources: is there a gender issue?

Abstract

This study examined gender differences in utilization of information sources within a single large professional services firm. Nine specific sources of information, falling under three broad categories (interpersonal, official company publications, informal) were considered. Respondents indicated how much information they received, their preference for information, and the value of information received, from each source. There were few gender differences at the highest organizational levels (partners, managers) but considerable gender differences at lower organizational levels (professional field staff, secretarial and support staff). Women at lower organizational levels had greater preference for information from all three sources and received more information from official company publications and informal sources.