Functions of interpersonal communication

FUNCTIONS OF INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

  • Interpersonal communication is important because of the function it achieves. Whenever we engage in communication with another person, we seek to gain information about them we also give off information through a wide variety of verbal and nonverbal cues.
  • Gaining Information
    • One reason we engage in interpersonal communication is that we can gain knowledge about another individual. Information about others helps us to interact with them more effectively. We can better predict how they will think, feel and act if we know who they are. Information can be gained passively by observing them, actively by having others engage them or interactively, by engaging them ourselves.
  • Building a context of understanding
    • We also engage in interpersonal communication to help us better understand what someone says in a given context. The words we say can mean very different things depending on how they are said or in what context.
  • Establishing identity
    • Another reason we engage in interpersonal communication is to establish an identity. The roles we play in our relationships help us establish identity, so too the public self-image we present to others. Both roles and face are constructed based on how we interact with others. We need to establish identity among livestock farmers.

Interpersonal needs

  • Finally we engage in interpersonal communication because we need to express and receive interpersonal needs. William Schuty has identified three such needs:
  • Inclusion - is the need to establish identity with others.
  • Control - is the need to exercise leadership and prove ones abilities. Groups provide outlet for this need. Some individuals do not want to be a leader. For them, groups provide the necessary control over aspects of their lives.
  • Affection - is the need to develop relationships with people. Groups are an excellent way to make friends and establish relationships. Interpersonal communication can be further improved if the following factors are considered
    1. Relationship development
    2. Self - disclosure
    3. Relational patterns and
    4. Interpersonal conflict
Last modified: Tuesday, 13 December 2011, 9:07 AM