Communication Theories - Definition, Expectancy Violations Theory, and Groupthink

 1.   Comment on why so many definitions of communication exist.

Communication exists immensely in varied contexts and levels. It also comes in different forms and types. Due to its ample and diverse scope, many researchers have come up with comprehensive and relevant definitions of communication. This may be confusing to the average group of people. There are too many attempts to define communication and one definition may actually overlap another. One may need to learn to filter the definitions according to how it applies in a specific situation. Nonetheless, the variation in the meaning of communication is deemed appropriate to address comprehensively the divergent situations of communication. In addition, an expert may not be able to integrate different facets of communication in just one perspective. One may need more than one viewpoint to fully explicate each implication of communication in certain situations.  One cannot solely depend on a single perspective. If the aim is to get the most concise explanation, then one has to deal with specific communication context. Indeed, there is no ONE best definition for communication.

2.   Explain what you think Expectancy Violations Theory says about the workplace setting.

The proponents of Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT) primarily focused on the structure of nonverbal messages and its violations especially in the use of space in communication.

This theory can be appropriate in giving an explanation as to how people react to violations of communicative norms especially in the workplace setting. In an office, one may demonstrate a different demeanor when talking to his boss compared to his conduct when hanging out with his friends outside the office. One may have a more structured or formal communication style when talking to a manager and less formal style when talking to a subordinate or colleague. These differences of style and approach vary according to the relationships the individuals have in a certain communication setting. Managers are expected to shout at the mistake or irresponsibility of an assistant but when subordinate shouts at his manager, it will be very unacceptable.

The context in which communication occurs is also a factor to be considered in this theory. During a meeting one may be restricted in making unnecessary and funny remarks as it will imply insincerity. However, when you are in a family or a “barkada” gathering, being quiet and making serious facial expressions may bring about snooping and cynical remarks. Lastly, the characteristics of the communicator are also to be considered. This is in terms of race, gender, and age. In a certain workplace, the neophytes are always given less priority in the salary/health/promotional benefits that they can get compared to the tenured ones. Giving more benefits to a newbie especially in terms of promotion would disappoint the regular employees and would normally violate the company’s rules.

Expectancy Violations Theory gives us the light to understand how we should act and react in certain situations. As communicators, we are able to adjust our behavior to abide with the norms of the workplace we are in. Some would think that their freedom of expression may be suppressed because of the rules a certain institution may impose but this is how it should be. Freedom is not absolute. We may have different ways of expressing ourselves but let us not forget how others may react especially when there is a violation of communicative norms. All we need to do is to respect these norms as long as we are part of a certain institution.

This is one thing that I learned especially when I started working in an academe with a conservative environment. According to one of my heads, “Your freedom ends where my freedom begins.” This is one of the remarkable quotes which I would always use to remind myself about respecting time, space and rights of my colleagues.

3.   Have you ever been in a small group with too much cohesiveness? If so, did Groupthink develop? If so, how did you know? If not, what prevented Groupthink from occurring?

I used to be attached to my circle of friends when I in high school. They were the best buddies I ever had because I considered them my comfort zone. Back then, we would always have the same preference in terms of food, study habits, conversation topics and even decision-making styles. Oftentimes, we arrived at the same idea or decisions. It would be too difficult to oppose the idea of the group because they may think that you are actually not on their side. When the group faced a dilemma even in simple situations like where to eat or hang out during weekends, one of our friends whom we considered as our ‘leader’ would usually voice out first and eventually led the group into coming up with a unanimous decision. I was not really aware if someone in the group was not in favor of the decision because no one dares to contradict the agreement. At times, the group had also encountered misunderstandings from other people outside the circle of friends. This was considered a challenge for the group. It made us stronger but there can be disadvantages to this kind of relationship. One may become very vulnerable when separated from the group and he may lose his own identity. As a personal experience, I would attest to that. Being in a group and oftentimes deciding as a group may actually weaken one’s power in decision-making. Groupthink did develop in those situations. As for me, the level of maturity might also have contributed to the opportunity of groupthink to build up.