The Influence of Textual Cues on First Impressions of an Email Sender

Shannon L. Marlow Rice University ; Christina N. Lacerenza University of Colorado Boulder ; Chelsea Iwig Johnson Space Center

Abstract

The present study experimentally manipulated the gender of an email sender, closing salutation, and sending mode (i.e., email sent via desktop computer/laptop as compared with email sent via a mobile device) to determine if these specific cues influence first impressions of the sender’s competence, professionalism, positive affect, and negative affect. Although no effect of sending mode was found, closing salutation influenced perceptions; females were viewed as less professional when using “Thanks!” as opposed to using “Best,” “Thank you,” or no salutation. However, in general, females were viewed as more professional than males, and “Thanks!” elicited perceptions of positive affect.

Journal
Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
Published
2018-06-01
DOI
10.1177/2329490617723115
CompPile
Open Access
Closed
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Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
  2. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly

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