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In the workplace, apologies have a significant role in building trust and establishing accountability. However, an effective apology goes beyond a simple "I'm sorry." 

In a recent study, researchers found that apologies in the workplace are received well depending on a couple of factors. They looked into the role of gender stereotypes and how gender plays a role in resolving conflict. Here's what they found.

Gender stereotypes in language

Using definitions from a previous study, the team defined the language and tone of an apology as either "masculine" or "feminine." Masculine language, which they called "agentic," was more assertive, confident and self-assured in nature, while feminine language, which they called "communal," was warm, communal and nurturing in tone. 

They used this language to interpret tweets from celebrities who used the platform to render public apologies. They also applied the same language and interpretation in two more studies with participants tasked to recreate scenarios about making a mistake and apologizing in the workplace. However, in all three studies, they found that a counter-stereotypical apology was more effective.

An effective apology is counter-stereotypical

The team found from celebrity tweets that female celebrities who used agentic language received more likes and comments than women who used communal language. The other two studies showed results consistent with this -- women who apologized with a masculine tone and men who apologized with a feminine tone delivered apologies that were perceived as more effective.

While the findings showed that a counter-stereotypical apology is more effective, Eller College of Management associate professor Sarah Doyle says that a stereotypical apology is better than no apology at all.