COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE: CULTURE AND GENDER CHAPTER 2 COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE: CULTURE AND GENDER

DEFINITION OF COMMUNICATION Communication is a complex phenomenon which can be usefully understood in multiple ways. Communication is not just about the definition of words and meaning of nonverbal symbols MEANINGS ARE IN PEOPLE; NOT IN WORDS

Definition of Communication Cont. Words and non-verbal messages are symbols we have created as a group or society to represent our feelings. These words and non-verbal messages are often inaccurate, insufficient, or misunderstood. Symbols are arbitrary, ambiguous, and abstract.

Definition of Communication Cont. Words are arbitrary because there are very few words that have a direct relationship to the thing they represent. Words are not “born” with meaning inherent in them; people create the meanings as they interact with one another.

Definition of Communication Cont. Verbal and non-verbal communication is ambiguous the same symbols can have several different meanings. Symbols are abstract because what is being referred to with a symbol can vary in the concreteness or singularity of the referent.

Models of Communication Linear Model of Communication Interactive Model of Communication Transactional Model of Communication

CONTENT AND RELATIONAL MESSAGES Every message or communicative act has both a content and a relational level. NO ONE IS COMPLETELY, ONE-HUNDRED PERCENT COMPETENT AS A COMMUNICATOR AND NO ONE IS ONE-HUNDRED PERCENT INCOMPETENT. We all fall somewhere between the two extremes. Communication competency is a matter of degree. We can all become more competent

Characteristics of Competent Communicators To be competent or effective as a communicator means to be both appropriate in our communicating and successful in achieving our individual goals. Be both other-centered and me-centered. Becoming a competent communicator is one of the most important, significant, meaningful and empowering things we will ever do.

Characteristics of Competent Communicators cont. Dan Rothwell states that there are five basic competency areas Knowledge Skills Sensitivity Commitment Ethics

Characteristics of Competent Communicators cont. Knowledge: We cannot determine appropriate and effective communication without knowledge of the rules that create behavioral expectations. Knowledge is an understanding of what is required by the communication context. Knowledge in any communication situation is critical

Characteristics of Competent Communicators cont. Skills: Communication competence encompasses the skill to apply your knowledge in actual situations. Clearly, fluently, concisely, eloquently, and confidently communicating messages are examples of skills. Knowledge about communication without communication skill will not produce competence.

. Characteristics of Competent Communicators cont. Sensitivity: Defined in two ways – 1. Having your antenna extended to pick up signals coming from others. 2. For the competent communicator, sensitivity means treating others as you would have them treat you.

Characteristics of Competent Communicators cont. Commitment: A conscious decision to invest in another person in order to nourish and sustain a relationship. The degree of investment in a relationship exhibits the level of commitment. Investing time, energy, feelings, thoughts, and effort in a relationship shows commitment. Investment is We-oriented

Characteristics of Competent Communicators cont. Ethics: Communication appropriateness, by its nature, involves questions of right and wrong behavior and how we decide such issues. Competent communicators must concern themselves with more than merely what works to achieve but if these goals produce bad outcomes for others, their appropriateness must be questioned.

Characteristics of Competent Communicators cont. Ethics cont.: Ethics provides a set of standards for judging the moral correctness of commuinication behavior. Values act as standards for communication competence. They are respect, honesty, fairness, and choice.

CULTURE ETHNOCENTRISM: Believing your way is better than anyone’s. INDIVIDUALIXM/COLLECTIVISM: Deals with how we see ourselves in a culture. Individual – Just the one. Collective – The whole group. LOW-CONTEXT/HIGH CONTEXT: How language is used. Low – very direct and blunt. Say what we mean. High – Meaning is in what is not said.

CULTURE, CONT. LOW POWER DISTANCE/HIGH POWER DISTANCE: The difference between people in authority and non-authority. Low – the power will change. High – the power stays non-power, doesn’t progress. FEMININE/MASCULINE: Feminine is more fluid with gender roles. Masculine has more defined gender roles. Ex.: Nurses (male), Doctors (female).

GENDER GROUPS – GENDER DIFFERENCE BOYS – More competitive GIRLS – More cooperative – play together Quote in Standard Examiner: “Men fear intimacy because it threatens independence. Women fear independence because it threatens intimacy”

GENDER, CONT. Tannen’s study: FEMALE MALE Feelings Information Support Status Intimacy Independence Rapport talk Report Talk Understanding Give advice