The purpose of the author's contribution to this colloquy was to spark conversation on the theoretical nature of communication processes and the evidentiary requirements for testing their relationship to group outcomes. Co-discussants have raised important issues concerning the philosophical basis of the socioegocentric model (SM) and dual-level…

A model that depicts communication as a dynamic ongoing phenomenon is presented in this paper. The key elements of the described model are: environmental factors, actor/auditor, image, perception, messages, channels, intrapersonal feedback, and consensus of meaning. An axiomatic basis is provided for each variable to serve as rules of…

Develops a working model of the communication process which corresponds to the ego states of transactional analysis and attempts to discern effects of personality systems on the encoding and decoding process of individuals. (MH)

Describes a perspective designed to examine the structure, function, and process of interpersonal communication to locate the major sources of problems in particular interactions. States assumptions of the perspective, defines the elements and processes of interpersonal communication, suggests ways to use the framework, and describes current…

Defining interpersonal orientations as the characteristic and consistent ways in which individuals interact with others, this paper examines various conceptualizations and theories regarding such orientations in order to discover how they affect interpersonal communication. In particular, the paper (1) reviews work concerning psychological types;…

This paper begins defining conversation as the alternate of pro and con opinions between interactors that emphasizes the sequential and discrete nature of interaction. After reviewing the few studies that have analyzed natural interaction sequentially, a theoretical framework is proposed: interactors are decision makers who generate choices over…

Outlines conceptual and operational definitions that distinguish between the control movements and control patterns of domineeringness and dominance. The evidence suggests that (1) domineeringness and dominance are, in actuality, different phenomena and (2) different patterns of role strain, system satisfaction, and interaction styles are…

One of the factors inhibiting development of a more descriptive theory of communication has been a poorly defined conceptual framework which places almost exclusive emphasis on verbal messages and overlooks an important feature of the communication process, the fact that effective communication develops from interaction among various message…

This article examines various forms of communication systems for their "partner friendliness" and presents a model of different types of communication partners and their communication needs. Case examples illustrate how the forms of communication of two students who are deaf-blind were expanded to promote greater communication with a variety of…

Studies based on models of interpersonal coorientation have discovered regularities in communication behavior that coorientation theory cannot explain. On the other hand, rules-based theories of communication contain explanatory concepts seemingly applicable to these phenomena, but have not been articulated sufficiently to be applied to the…

Little has been done to identify the communication needs of nurses. The development of a model to use in examining their communication behavior can be an important first step in identifying those needs. The proposed model identifies four members of the staff nurse's role-set: patients, doctors, family members, and other nursing personnel. Each…

In order to help in the analysis and evaluation of organizations, this paper presents a model that combines a functional perspective with a rules approach. An organization is viewed as an entity analogous to a culture that can be analyzed by identifying its collectively defined master contract; it may be critiqued by assessing the process by which…

A paradigm of rehearsal interaction, based on the measurement and interpretation of behavioral transactions between actors and directors, is posited in this article. Verbal and nonverbal communication processes characteristic of actor/director interactions are operationally defined, and indexes of director/actor interaction, director/actor talk…