Communication Theories
Small Group Communication
Communication entails the expression of an individual’s feelings, thoughts, opinions, and ideologies. Good communication skills are essential in teaching and in other avenues of learning. This is because they help one in keeping his or her head up and confidently taking authority over various challenging situations. Similarly, students are likely to pay attention to their teachers or fellow students in a group depending on their ability to communicate their ideas and opinions. These skills can be either in-born or acquired. Similarly, one can develop them through repeated practice especially by joining social clubs, or public speaking and debate clubs to build up the skills. Groups are one of the most essential components in teaching. This is because groups can be successful if the various dynamics that govern them are considered to foster a higher level of performance in the group members. One of the aspects that enhance small group communication is the actor effect, which refers to the ability of the group to evaluate the self and collective performance to ensure achievement of its goals and objectives (Littlejohn & Foss, 2011).
Small group communication refers to the communication that occurs within a small group. The group is composed of at least three members and a maximum of twenty members. In addition, the small group may fall under various categories, which includes professional, educational or a social group. The uniting factor in these groups is that members have a common interest or objective and goal that they are pursuing. Despite the fact that these small groups may comprise of few members like five, the ability to communicate effectively is still very crucial.
There are various existing theories on small group communications which explore this but they are not perfect because of some weaknesses. For instance, many scholars have focused mainly on systems theory, which tends to support stability over change (Jensen & Chilberg, 2010). When scholars develop theories, they tend to manipulate the way readers think, interpret issues, and the subsequent actions that people take. Therefore, since no man is perfect it is impossible to have a perfect theory of small group communication in existence.
These theories fall under four categories namely
- Functional Theory
- Symbolic Convergence Theory
- Structuration Theory
- Naturalistic Paradigm
The Functional Theory
This theory mainly focuses on the results that emerge from group behaviors or structures and has been credited as one of the most influential and preferred theory of small group communication (Littlejohn & Foss, 2011). Likewise, it explains how small groups can effectively make serious decisions without necessarily having disagreements or chaos. According to Andersen (2007), members of a group carry out their activities and responsibilities towards a common goal in a positive way to achieve results without commotion. It gives an account of the role played by group members in having effective and smooth decision-making that ensures success. Furthermore, the theory comprises a number of assumptions that try to explain how decisions made in a small group are dependent on communication. The theory has further influenced researchers, teachers, and other involved parties’ views on how to structure their methods of communication to ensure that small groups arrive at high-quality decisions. Despite the strengths, some scholars who suggest that decision-making cannot be rational have criticized the theory as trustworthy.
Symbolic Convergence Theory
The theory bases its argument on the concept that communication creates social reality (Littlejohn & Foss, 2011). In addition, it suggests that this is attainable through the creation of imaginative thoughts based on historical or future experiences. It also uses symbols that refer to a verbal and non-verbal messages used in conveying a certain message. It is likely that members in a small group will come up with their unique coded words and signals that only its members can understand. The theory draws attention on the fact that a small group will always have participants who share emotions, values, and motives. One of its major strengths is how it focuses on group identity and the development of a common conscience in a small group. Moreover, the theory is more practical (Jensen & Chilberg, 2010). On the other hand, critics of this theory suggest that we cannot predict the results of a group based on fantasy.
Structural Theory
The theory differentiates between systems that include small groups and other basic structures. In the context of small groups, the theory suggests that people tend to obey certain procedures or regulations in interactions that results into a given outcome. Moreover, the theory upholds the belief that structures are the procedures employed as members work in a group. These structures lead to the formation of a small or big group. According to (Frey et al, 2009), small groups cannot operate successfully without particular rules, which govern their interactions. He argues that the same members of the group can adapt, maintain, amend, and create more rules.
Naturalistic Paradigm
This theory has a close relationship with the systems theory that can comfortably be applied in learning and teaching disciplines. It focuses on real life groups. Likewise, it points out that members in small groups usually construct social reality in order to communicate effectively. Furthermore, the theory argues that communication has a crucial role in research and that researchers should study small groups in their natural settings to collect accurate information. Consequently, the study of small groups in their natural settings has resulted into advancement in communication and practice in education (Frey et al, 2009).
Non-Verbal Communication Theories
Non-verbal communication can be said to be that process of sending as well as receiving messages that are wordless. Non-verbal communication is one of the most important methods of communication available. It is useful in passing a message from one group or person to another. There are various non-verbal communication methods that a commonly used in communication. These methods include gestures, signs, body languages, and eye contact. Each and every of these forms of non-verbal communication has its use and meaning depending on the group of people using them. A number of non-verbal communication theories have been developed with an aim of explaining various aspects of non-verbal communication. These theories are commonly used in the study of non-verbal communication.
Sign Theory
This theory of non-verbal communication usually focuses on various aspect of signs language as a form of non-verbal communication. The theory has been used in understanding how signs as mean of communication are used to pass messages from one person to another. The authors of the theory explain different aspects of sign language and how these aspects are applied in different fields of communication. It is important to understand that signs are the most commonly used forms of non-communication, especially by those persons who are deaf or dump.
The theory of signs explains three main things, one semantics which deals with knowing what the sign means, pragmatics whereby you study how the codes are used in the day-to-day basis and syntactic where you understand how signs tend to relate with other signs. The non verbal code systems that are mainly applied mainly include the general characteristics, simultaneous transmission whereby many non verbal messages are sent at a go, iconicity where the code is similar to the item in question (Floyd & Guerrero, 2006). These aspects of sign communication are usually used by those teaching as well as learning sign language. The theory has been useful in ensuring that sign language is effectively taught with an aim of enhancing communication in different aspects of life.
Proxemics Theory
It deals with studying how human beings construct and manage their personal space in their everyday life. The space can be analyzed according to culture. The main types of space include informal space, fixed space and the semi fixed space. It can also be as a matter of distance in the creation of the space (Andersen, 2007). These include personal distance, social distance, intimate distance, and public distance. Factors that affect distance include visual code, distance factors in conversation, sex factors voice projection, the level of encouragement to interact in society.
The theory is very important when it comes to the study of different aspects of non-verbal communication. It helps the tutor to understand the importance of personal distance, social distance, public distance, and intimate distance when it comes to communication. When the learners integrate these aspects of space in communication, they are able to understand the best form of non-verbal communication to apply in different scenarios of life. The theory has been useful in ensuring that those who apply non-verbal communication are in a position to use the appropriate non-verbal communication tools. This helps in ensuring that messages are effectively communicated to the intended group of people.
Kinesics Theory
This is a theory that deals mainly with the study of the body language that human beings tend to bring out in the various situations. The main assumptions that are used here include the body movements, which usually have potential meanings in different communicative contexts. The other is behavior, which is analyzed through repetitions as well as patterns. Finally is the body action, which is viewed as part of the system of the society and finally body activities, which are very crucial aspects of non verbal communication (Andersen, 2004).
The theory of Kinesics usually proposes three measures that can be used to examine non-verbal communication behaviors. First, the origin of the act is important when it comes to analysis of non-verbal communication behaviors as it determines behavior that is going to be inhibited by the communicator. Secondly, coding is another important aspect that should be taken into account as it determines the relationship that will be developed between the sender and the receiver of the message. The third aspect that should be taken into account is the usage of the non-communication tool in question. One has to understand what purpose does the tool in question serve and the message that is conveyed by the tool in question. The developers of this theory come up with five forms of behaviors that are exhibited by various non-communication tools. There are illustrators that tend to depict message that is been communicated verbally, adapters that facilitate the release of body tension and regulators that coordinate and control interaction of the receiver and the sender of the message.
In conclusion, this theory is crucial in understanding the different aspects of non-verbal communication especially the behavior that is exhibited by various non-verbal communication tools.
Interpersonal Communication
There are varied definitions of interpersonal communication according to communication experts. However, the basic component is that participants in the interpersonal communication process are largely dependent upon each other (Trenholm & Jensen, 2008). Interpersonal communication can involve interaction between two or three people speaking to each other or mingling with others in a large group with a society. In any activity, people behave differently. Therefore, the purpose of interpersonal communication is to help understand why people behave and communicate in different ways. Although interpersonal communication can be understood in its own context, it can also occur in group relationships and organizations. Interpersonal communication is effective in relaying ideas, thought and feelings among individuals. Indeed, the skills required for this mode of communication are learned and can be enhanced by practice as well as by reflection.
Interpersonal communication involves the sending and receiving of messages between two persons. There are varied forms of interpersonal communication, which includes “listening, persuading, asserting, nonverbal communication” among other forms. The most significant feature of interpersonal communication is the size of the participants in the communication process. Interpersonal communication deals with communication where a small number of people are involved (Wood, 2012). This is opposed to areas of communication where a large number of people are involved, such as group interaction. In a group interaction, a large number of people are involved in the communication process.
People interact with others on different platforms of depending on whom they are talking to or interacting withy at any given time. For instance, if a teacher communicating with the students, that communication will not be the same if the teacher were talking with the parents. Therefore, interpersonal communication can be friendly when students talk with each other. Communication between teachers and parents can be more formal.
Interpersonal communication can be executed in several ways including the use of both direct as well as indirect methods of communication (Trenholm & Jensen, 2008). Direct method of communication usually takes the form of face-to-face communication. Indirect communication can be done through computed-assisted communication. Interpersonal methods of communication can be successful or unsuccessful depending on various factors. Indeed, interpersonal communication assumes that the sender codes the message in a way that the receiver will understand (Wood, 2012). For a teacher, face-to-face communication is the best way of passing information to the learners. The teacher can send messages to the students on a level of understood meanings as well as implications. It is through this that a learner can understand the message being passed to them by the teachers (Wood, 2012).
There are four basic principles that underlie interpersonal communication. Firstly, people cannot avoid interpersonal communication. When people fail to communicate, in essence, they are communicating something. Therefore, it is not only done through words, but through gestures, and postures, among other means. Secondly, interpersonal communication cannot be reversed. Once something has been done, the effect will remain inevitably. Indeed, words once spoken cannot be taken back (Trenholm & Jensen, 2008). Thirdly, interpersonal communication is a complicated process. The words spoken can be misunderstood. Although the speaker might have clear intentions, the hearers might misinterpret a message. In addition, the speaker can be construed in a different dimension. Lastly, communication does not occur in a vacuum. Interpersonal communication occurs in several contexts. These include psychological, relational, cultural, environmental, and situational context.
References
Andersen, P. (2004). The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Body Language. London: Alpha Publishing.
Andersen, P. (2007). Nonverbal Communication: Forms and Functions (2nd ed.). London: Waveland Press.
Floyd, K., Guerrero, L. K. (2006).Nonverbal communication in close relationships. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates
Frey, L. R. et al (2009). Communication Theory and Research (1st ed.). New York: SAGE.
Jensen, A. M.& Chilberg, C. J (2010). Small Group Communication (2nd ed.). Washington: Cengage Publishers.
Littlejohn, S. & Foss, A. K. (2011). Theories of Human communication (4th ed.). New York: Wadsworth Publishers.
Trenholm, S. & Jensen, A. (2008). Interpersonal Communication. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Wood, T. J. (2012). Interpersonal Communication: everyday encounters. New York: Cengage Learning.
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]