The Importance of Interpersonal Communication Research Paper

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Updated: Mar 8th, 2024

Communication Studies

Communication is generally defined as the exchange and flow of information and ideas from one person to another. However, the communication can be said to be effective only when there is a desired response. Communication sometimes gets distorted due to various barriers such as cultural differences, language differences, etc. When communication is distorted, it can lead to various conflicts between people and seriously affect relationships (Allen, 2002).

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This effectiveness and disastrous consequences of communication are best seen in the case of marital relationships where two people are in a close relationship with each other. Of all branches in communication studies, the one that impacts all of us in a day-to-day manner is “interpersonal communication”. We all need interpersonal communication whether we are talking to a friend, trying to convince the boss, comforting a relative, or handling complaints from a client. However, of all such situations, one of the most interesting fields of study of interpersonal communication is in the marital communication context. Interpersonal communication (IPC) has been defined by Miller as communication between two persons nearby, in a position to give immediate feedback and utilize multiple senses (Dainton, 2004). There are many theories of interpersonal communication of which the Social exchange theory (SET) is best explains interpersonal communication in the marital context and also provides deep insight into conflict resolution among marital partners.

Explication of the theory

The Social Exchange Theory was developed by Thibaut and Kelley (1959). It explains why some relationships are satisfying ad why some relationships end on a drastic note. Moreover, the theory also explains how satisfied a person would be in a particular interpersonal relationship. Thibaut and Kelley’s (1959) SET theory views relationships in terms of costs and benefits. However, this theory is based on three assumptions: all personal relationships can be studied in terms of benefits gained and costs given to attain those benefits; secondly, people desire maximization of benefits and minimal costs in any interpersonal relationship, and this is known as the minimax principle; thirdly, by nature, humans are selfish. These three assumptions are best understood in the framework of SET’s three elements: outcome, comparison level, and comparison level of alternatives According to the SET theory, the ratio of rewards to costs in any interpersonal relationship is given by the equation: Rewards − Costs = Outcome (Thibaut & Kelley, 1959).

‘Rewards’ refers to the benefits that an individual perceives as enjoyable or fruitful in a relationship. Relational ‘costs’ refer to the limitations in a relationship that are unpleasant or obstacles in the quest for success (Vangelisti and Perlman, 2006). The rewards and costs are relative and depend on the individual. When rewards are more than the costs the interpersonal relationship is seen as a beneficial one and vice versa. The outcome of the relationship is a measure of the satisfaction and stability in that particular interpersonal relationship. Communication cannot be effective when the relationship is unsatisfactory and relationships cannot be satisfied without proper communication (Greene and Burleson, 2003). The next element of SET, comparison level (CL) represents what rewards a person expects to receive in a particular relationship (Thibaut & Kelley, 1959). This places importance on the expectations of the individual. Finally, SET holds that the extent of any relationship depends on the comparison level of alternatives (Thibaut & Kelley, 1959).

Application of the theory

In the light of marital communication, the SET theory explains why there are conflicts that prevent effective communication in a marital relationship. It also suggests ways to resolve these conflicts. Concerning outcome, according to the SET theory, outcome=Rewards − Costs (Thibaut & Kelley, 1959). ‘Rewards’ between two married people refers to the positive aspects of a marriage such as a companionship, affection, and sharing of a joint savings account. Relational costs between married people include negative aspects of marriage such as negotiation of holiday visits with the in-laws, loss of social independence, and having to work more to meet family obligations. However, when the positive aspects of marriage far outweigh the negative ones, the marriage can be said to be beneficial to the two individuals, there is satisfaction and stability in the marriage and communication is smooth. By analysis of cost-benefits, the conflict area that causes communication problems may be found.

The rewards and costs are relative and depend on the individual. For example, sharing of a joint savings account may be seen as a reward for some people in a marital relationship and as a cost in the case of some others. This gives hope for resolving conflicts in the marital context by changing expectations. In the case of my marriage, I consider the benefits as love between me and my spouse and children. The costs would be stress, having to work more, and having to take care of the house. I feel the benefits far outweigh the costs and hence consider my marriage is on stable grounds. In the long term, I expect my marriage to bring me lots of happiness, a sense of fulfillment, and peace. This will make my work and stress of the present moment worthwhile. My expectations from a marriage have been based on the marriages of my close friends and relatives.

Finally, SET holds that the extent of any relationship depends on the comparison level of alternatives (Thibaut & Kelley, 1959). Applying this to the marital scenario, I feel the alternatives to married life are living a single life or maybe having an arrangement without commitment or marrying another woman. Compared to these alternatives, I find my present life better as I love my wife and this marriage offers me valuable companionship along with respectable social status.

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The main benefit of the social exchange theory is that it offers concrete boundaries for communication. Any interaction that rewards or punishes another through the exchange of resources is an act of communication. This communication between two marital partners is thus based on what the individuals bring to each other and what they have to pay to get that from the other (Schneider et al, 2005). I feel that I work and earn money so that I may support my family. This is my input. I am rewarded by being respected and well looked after by my wife at home and also loved by my children. This gives me the basis for communication.

The social exchange theory may be extended to form the equity theory according to which whoever contributes most to the relationship should receive the most benefits from the relationship (Braithwaite and Baxter, 2005). For example, when the man of the house feels he is working too much and he is not rewarded equally, he tends to be withdrawn. This can give rise to communication problems at home. I think my communication problems are because of the feeling that I am working and putting a lot more into the relationship than others. There is a struggle for power as both of us try to be dominant in the relationship. This gives rise to conflicts. The conflicts can be resolved by making the relationship more equitable and for that we need to study the benefits and costs involved in this relationship. Moreover, it must be reminded that perception also plays an important role. If I perceive more rewards and this exceeds my expectations for the relationship, SET predicts my satisfaction. Conversely, if I perceive more rewards than costs in a current relationship, but expect to receive even more rewards than I currently have, a sense of dissatisfaction is predicted. Dissatisfaction can also set in when a person feels there are more attractive alternatives to the present.

Three Justification of significance

The Social Exchange theory is very important in the context of marital communication.

  • The Social exchange theory helps in finding out the reason behind conflicts in communication between two people bonded in marriage and in determining whether or not the conflict can be resolved. This is done through the cost-benefit analysis. If there is a power contest that is never going to be resolved because expectations of both partners are unreasonably high, there will never be any resolution and there can never be communication.
  • The SET can help marital partners improve their communications by cost-benefit analysis. They can apply economic principles to minimize negative outcomes or costs such s time, money, and emotional energy and maximize rewards such as companionship, affection, and love. Simple rewards such as taking the wife to dinner or spending time with children can help resolve minor conflicts based on the wife feeling that she is not rewarded well. Thus SET helps in marital conflict resolution.
  • Finally, the theory is significant in the context of martial communication because it explains the factors affecting communication between marital partners. According to this theory, it’s not only about cost and benefits, the expectations of the partners also play a huge role. The nature of satisfactory communication between marital partners varies depending on the partner, his past experiences, and the current relationship according to the SET theory.

Conclusion

In an age where people seem to be drifting apart, interpersonal communication especially in the marital context becomes very important to hold society together. Among the theories of interpersonal communication, the Set Exchange Theory helps in understanding the factors that determine the nature of communication between couples, helps in providing solutions to communication barriers and also gives hope in changing communication patterns by changing individual expectations.

Bibliography

Allen, Mike (2002). Interpersonal Communication Research. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Braithwaite, O Dawn and Baxter, A. Leslie (2005). Engaging Theories in Family Communication: Multiple Perspectives. Sage Publications.

Greene, O. John; Burleson, Raney Brant and NetLibrary Inc (2003). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

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Schneider, W. Frank; Gruman, A. Jamie; Coutts, M. Larry (2005). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. Sage Publications.

Thibault, J. W., & Kelley, H. H. (1952). The Social Psychology of Groups. John Wiley & Sons. New York.

Vangelisti, L. Anita and Perlman, Daniel (2006). The Cambridge Handbook of Personal Relationships. Cambridge University Press.

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IvyPanda. "The Importance of Interpersonal Communication." March 8, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-importance-of-interpersonal-communication/.

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