Relational Development
Interpersonal Communication Theories Constructivism of Jesse Delia
According to constructivism theory by Jesse Delia, employees will have differences in ability to communicate skillfully at work. The theory works on the differences between interpersonally effective employees, rather than, just becoming more assertive. Using the Role Category Questionnaire (RCQ), employers can measure the cognitive complexity of their employee’s interpersonal perception to identify the best personality to work with. The constructivism theory can also be used to form effective teams by identifying employees who can fit in together well.
At the family set-up, the constructivism theory can be appliedto distinguishing subtle behaviour and personality differences among family members. A couple can use the RCQ to understand the difference in their personalities and ways they can work to understand each other better (Hubbard & Gasiorek, 2017). Parents and can also use the constructivism theory to identify and understand the individual differences of their children. Understanding a child’s cognitive complexity can help in appreciating and supporting their differences.
In society, there are people who see others in a general perspective and there are those capable of distinguishing subtle differences among individuals. The constructivism theory can be used to identify differences among individuals in society. Just like in individuals, the theory can also be used to understand group personality differences (Hubbard & Gasiorek, 2017). There are societal decisions that people can make better decisions while having a better understanding of the individuals or groups involved especially their personalities.
Social Penetration Theory of Taylor and Altman
In organizations or at workplaces, employees go through different levels of relationship development. The social penetration theory can be used to monitor and control the relationship development between employees. The theory can also be used to measure the relationship development between different business partnerships based on the assumption the development is systematic and predictable (Hargie, 2016). Organizations can also use the social penetration theory to identify the quality of relationships among different stakeholders to prevent exploitation and promote mutual benefits.
Couples go through different levels of relationship development in their entire life. The social penetration theory can be used to guide partners in their different interpersonal relationship development stages. Parents and guardians also experience different levels of interpersonal relationship with their children (Hargie, 2016). The social penetration theory can be used to identify, shape, and support the skills of revealing their attitudes and personalities to others. The theory can be used to understand different levels of relationship development in all levels of a family setup.
In the societal level, interpersonal communication between individuals grows with relationship development. The social penetration theory can be used to analyze the level of interpersonal communication between individuals in society. The level of interpersonal communication between different groups or people in the society indicates the quality of relationships between them. This theory can be used to identify social groups with poor relationship development because this can lead to conflict.
Uncertainty Reduction Theory of Charles Berger
At the workplace, all employees have their first day of work or interaction with other employees. The uncertainty reduction theory (URT) can be used to identify ways of reducing uncertainty or increase predictability of employees. Employers may need some information about their employees prior to their first interaction to help create a better understanding of them (Knobloch, 2015). The URTtheory can also be used by organizations to reduce uncertainty levels with suppliers and other stakeholders by increasing their predictability which helps in relationship development.
Prior to the development of a relationship between couples, there are uncertainties as each person tries to create an understanding of the other. Uncertainty can be reduced in the first interaction if there is anticipation for future interaction, deviance, or incentive value (Hubbard & Gasiorek, 2017). However, with the lack of those three conditions, the URT can be used to increase predictability of partners in the first encounters by reducing uncertainties that may hinder relationship development.
In the society, relationship development between individuals and different groups needs a clear understanding of each other. The URT can be used to reduce uncertainty among different groups seeking to interact for good relationship development. The URT theory can also be used to improve predictability levels of different sections in the society to offer a better relationship development.
References
Hargie, O. (2016). Uncertainty Reduction Theory. In O. Hargie, Skilled interpersonal communication: Research, theory and practice. (pp. 125-137). Routledge.
Hubbard, E., & Gasiorek, J. (2017). Perspectives on perspective-taking in communication research. Review of Communication, 17(2), 87-105.
Knobloch, L. K. (2015). Uncertainty reduction theory. The International Encyclopedia of Interpersonal Communication, 1-9.