This essay is a propositional analysis of the literature on the interrelationship of communicator style and gender as evidenced in the organizational setting. Pavitt's (1989) notion of the prototype is extended to the realm of organizational communication in developing five propositions: (1) the prototype of the effective manager is more likely to influence perceptions of individuals in the organizational setting than are gender stereotypes; (2) however, other studies indicate that our notion of the prototype of a leader/manager/superior is gendered; (3) the prototypical female manager is more collaborative relative to the prototypical male manager; (4) a gendered prototype may negatively affect women in the organizational setting; and (5) a cultural/diversity model that moves beyond gender can help to eliminate the gender gap. (Contains 54 references.) (Author)