Improving Interpersonal Relationships Communication Climate Conflict Management

Communication Climate Refers to the emotional tone of a relationship More concerned with the way people feel about one another than the tasks they perform Determined by the degree to which people see themselves as valued

Confirming Responses Occurs in three increasingly positive levels: Recognition: the most fundamental act of confirmation Acknowledgement: interested in another’s ideas Endorsement: agreeing with another’s ideas

Disconfirming Responses Show lack of regard for the other; Either by disagreeing, Disputing or Ignoring Disconfirming messages occur when the speaker is attacked instead of the message or idea

Gibb’s Categories Communication behaviors separated into defensive and supportive categories Using supportive communication behaviors will create a positive communication climate

Gibb’s Categories Evaluative vs. Descriptive Controlling vs. Problem orientation Strategy vs. Spontaneity Neutrality vs. Empathy Superiority vs. Equality Certainty vs. Provisionalism

Managing Interpersonal Conflict Completely avoiding conflict is impossible Managing it effectively leads to Improved communication and Improved relationships

Conflict Defined “Expressed struggle between at least two independent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce rewards, and interference from the other parties in achieving their goals.” (Adler & Rodman, 2003, p. 231) (Hocker & Wilmot, 1997, p. 21)

Components of Conflict Expressed struggle All parties must know the conflict exists Perceived incompatible goals Perceived scarce rewards Interdependence Expect future interactions

Methods of Expressing Conflict Nonassertion Direct aggression Passive aggression Indirect communication Assertion

Five Components of an Assertive Message Behavioral description Your interpretation of the other’s behavior Description of your feelings Description of the consequences A statement of your intentions

Methods of Conflict Resolution Win-lose Lose-lose Compromise Win-win

Steps to Win-Win Conflict Resolution Identify your problem and unmet needs Make a date Describe your problem and needs Partner checks back Solicited partner’s needs Paraphrase partners needs Negotiate a solution Follow up on the solution

Interpersonal Communication Summary COMMUNICATION CLIMATES Confirming and Disconfirming Messages Developing Communication Climates Creating Positive Communication Climates

Interpersonal Communication Summary MANAGING INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT Nature of Conflict Styles of Expressing Conflict Assertive Messages Gender and Conflict Style Cultural Influences Methods of Conflict Resolution Win-Win Problem Solving Letting Go and Using the Process