INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ISSUES

Interpersonal Communication Issues

Table of Contents

Introduction3

Discussion4

Barriers to Bridging Differences and Adapting to Others4

Assuming Superiority5

Assuming Similarity6

Assuming Differences7

Stereotyping and Prejudice8

Different Communication Codes9

Adapting to Others Who Are Different from You9

Seek Information10

Ask Questions and Listen11

Tolerate Ambiguity11

Develop Mindfulness12

Become Other-Oriented12

Adapt to Others14

Conclusion16

References17

Interpersonal Communication Issues

Introduction

In Some basic characteristics of communication, the first is that organization communication is inescapable. We expanded on that characteristic by describing how every message has a content dimension and a relational dimension. The content dimension is what is said, or the verbal message. The relational dimension involves how the verbal message is said, including tone of voice, facial expressions, and other nonverbal behaviors. The content dimension is the what, the relational dimension is the how; the latter aspect tells you how to interpret the former. You also receive clues from the relational dimension about the state of the relationship between the two communicators. How are these characteristics of communication affected by gender?

Research reveals that men tend to approach communication from a content orientation, meaning that they view the purpose of communication as primarily information exchange. You talk when you have something to say. This is also consistent with the tendency for men to base their relationships, especially their male friendships, on sharing activities rather than talking. Women, research suggests, tend to use communication for the purpose of relating or connecting to others, of extending themselves to other persons to know them and be known by them. What you talk about is less important than the fact that you're talking, because talking implies relationship. There is a short way of summarizing this difference: Men often communicate to report; women often communicate to establish rapport. So the point of difference isn't in the way the sexes actually communicate but in the motivations or reasons for communicating. The how may not be that different; the why may be very different. Our instrumental and expressive orientations to the world translate into our communication behavior.

Discussion

So here's one reason why adaptation is a premium skill. Can you see that by understanding both approaches to communication—content and relational (or instrumental and expressive)—and by developing the ability to accomplish both, you broaden what you can do? Just because you're female doesn't mean that you have to take an expressive approach to every interaction; just because you're male doesn't mean that conversations are always about information exchange. In a conversation with a member of the opposite sex, try to assess the person's communication motivation. Analyze what the other person must view as the purpose for the conversation, and adjust your response accordingly. Sometimes it's wise simply to ask the person what he or she wants. (Spring, 2003)

Barriers to Bridging Differences and Adapting to Others

Now that we've paid attention to how people are different from one another, let's identify barriers that increase the differences that exist between people. Differences, whether culture or gender based, often breed misunderstanding. And misunderstanding can lead to feelings of distrust, suspicion, and even hostility. The phrase “battle of the sexes” suggests that men and women ...