Studies on the sociolinguistic behavior of informal groups find that men largely control conversations by speaking longer and more often, interrupting women, and managing the topics discussed. This presents major implications for the effectiveness of women in administrative decision-making groups. Women administrators may not influence decisions commensurate with their presence if men control communications. This article assesses the gender dynamics of a state interagency task force to determine the prevalence and strength of power based on group roles compared to gender roles and to see whether and how women assert control in decision conversations. It has consequences for all routine bureaucratic policymaking.
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