Interpersonal Communication Theories

Interpersonal Communication Theories
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Interpersonal Communication Theories
Communication is an activity which takes place on a daily basis. It involves the exchange of information by speaking, writing or any other medium (Lunenburg, 2010). There are various types of communication, and one of them is interpersonal communication. Although individuals engage in interpersonal communication daily, it is a complex process. It is something that is integral to the human experience, and it is often difficult to disentangle from everything else humans undertake. Interpersonal communicant can be defined as the exchange of information between two or more individuals (Hargie, 2016). It can either be face-to-face or through a mediated process. Much of interpersonal communication depends on the relationship between the individuals In an organization; interpersonal communication takes many forms depending on how the staff members relate This paper will identify some forms of interpersonal communication in organizations. It will associate each form of interpersonal communication with a related theory of research
Dyadic Communication
Dyad means two things which are similar. Dyadic communication means the interrelationship between two individuals (Bakar and McCann, 2016). The relationship indicates face-to-face verbal communication between individuals involved in mutual ideas, thoughts, and behaviors. All the queries and answers relate to life issues. In other words, dyad communication involves two persons seeking to exchange information about their lives. It can either be formal or informal. Examples of formal dyadic communication include interviews and counseling sessions while informal dyadic communication can include chatting between friends and family. Individuals working in organizations cannot avoid dyadic communication. They cannot afford to be impersonal with each other because they are physically in one location. Even when they are taking over the telephone, they become personal to some extent since the voice of one individual delivers numerous cues and meanings to the other individual.
Uncertainty reduction theory can be used to explain dyad communication. The theory comes from a socio-psychological perspective where it explains how people gain knowledge about others. According to this theory, individuals struggle with uncertainty. They desire to predict the behavior of other people which motivates them to seek information about them. The following example demonstrates uncertainty in an organization. Uncertainty can occur when an employer requires two unacquainted staff members to work together on a particular project for a given period. The two workers stare at one another not knowing where to start. All of them are thinking about how they will get along with each other. The theory advocates that strangers go through checkpoints so that they may reduce uncertainty (Matusitz, 2016). They begin to form ideas about each other’s likes and dislikes. In the case of the two employees, they finally talk and begin discovering aspects of one another.
The uncertainty reduction theory advocates that as individuals communicate, they are making plans to reduce uncertainty. According to the theory, reducing uncertainty takes three major forms. The first one is the use of passive strategies which includes observing the other party. The second one is active strategies which entail enquiring from others about the particular individual or looking for relevant information about the person. The last one is interactive strategies where one party asks the other questions. It is an opportunity for self-disclosure and discovering one another. Here, people willingly disclose facts regarding themselves in order to minimize uncertainty in the other individual which encourages better communication. Individuals concerned with minimizing uncertainty will reciprocate the uncertainty-reducing behavior.
Small Group Communication
A small group is one that consists of more than two and not more than fifteen individuals (Rice, 2013). A group with less than two and exceeds fifteen members is not as a small group. Small group communication the exchange of information among the group members. The interaction is often face-to-face. A small group in an organization usually exists to address a given issue, make decisions and determine policies. Small group communication can be formal or informal.
The relational dialectics theory is applicable in explaining small group communication. The relational dialectics theory explains the communication patterns which occur due to the tensions and struggles which arise in relationships. Relational dialectics introduce the idea that when individuals get closer to one another, more conflict arises which pulls them apart (Dumlao, 2012). In other words, when individuals make decisions, different desires and viewpoints come into play, which causes contradictions and eventually dialectical tensions. Three primary relational dialectics exist. The first one is connectedness and separateness. Although people naturally desire to have close bonds in interpersonal relationships, however, the individuals involved also need to spend time alone. This is applicable in small group communication whereby as much as the group members would like to spend more time together; there is also a need for each member to spend time alone. Having too much connection will lead to the loss of individual identity.
The second one is certainty and uncertainty. Individuals want a sense of assurance and predictability while engaging in interpersonal relationships. However, sometimes individuals a level of uncertainty to avoid the relationship becoming monotonous. In a small group, a certainty is essential so that the members can interact freely. In an organization, members assigned in a particular group need to become familiar with other so that they can engage with each other. Communication in a small group takes place when individuals are free to express themselves. Tensions serve to reduce the contributions of the members. However, a certain level of uncertainty is also required in small group communication. Members need to set boundaries so that they do not become overfamiliar with each other. Uncertainty also eliminates the monotony and enables the members to accomplish the purpose of the small group.
The third one is openness and closeness. Due to closeness in personal relationships, people feel compelled to reveal personal information. In a small group, individuals may feel the pressure to reveal more information about themselves. Communication will take place as the members disclose private information to one another. However, the natural desire for privacy arises which prevents the members from revealing too much information about themselves. Due to the concern about privacy, communication among the members in the small group may decrease the individuals become aware of the need to keep an amount of personal information from the others.
Electronic information such as email or text
Electronic information offers a written form of interpersonal communication. Through email or text, individuals can communicate with one another. In an organization, communicating through email or text allows employees to pass important messages to each other. The for...