Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies

Chapter 1, Section 3: Communication Principles

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss how communication is integrated into various aspects of life.
2. Explain how communication meets physical, instrumental, relational, and identity needs.
3. Explain how the notion of a process fits into communication.
4. Discuss the ways in which communication is guided by culture and context.

Importance of Communication

• Communication is often considered important subconsciously but keeping it in the forefront can enhance awareness and effectiveness.
• Learning communication principles can be applied to improve group performance, interpersonal relationships, and ethical decision-making.

Integrative Learning

• Encourages reflection on how communication connects with academic, professional, personal, and civic spheres.
• Academic: Communication skills are crucial for academic success and relate to other courses.
• Professional: Desired by employers; essential for job success.
• Personal: Forms, maintains, and ends interpersonal relationships.
• Civic: Engages individuals in community and political processes; crucial for democracy.

Communication and Meeting Human Needs

• Physical Needs: Alerts others to our needs and affects physical and psychological health.
• Instrumental Needs: Helps achieve goals and tasks; involves strategic communication (e.g., compliance gaining).
• Relational Needs: Develops, maintains, and ends relationships; essential for social bonds.
• Identity Needs: Permits self-presentation and identity formation; influenced by communication with others.

Communication as a Process

• Continuous, dynamic, and without a distinct beginning or end.
• Messages vary in conscious thought and intention.
• Communication is irreversible and unrepeatable.

Cultural and Contextual Influence on Communication

• Communication is learned and varies across cultures and contexts.
• Involves rules and norms, such as phatic communion (e.g., routine greetings).
• Cultural perspectives influence communication ethics, balancing freedom of expression with tolerance and respect.

Ethical Implications of Communication

• Ethical communication is central to relationships and society.
• Considers right and wrong in context; involves responsibility for communication consequences.
• Ethical standards for communication include truthfulness, fairness, and respect.

Key Takeaways

• Communication impacts academic, professional, personal, and civic areas positively.
• It meets various needs, fostering well-being, goal achievement, and identity expression.
• Communication is influenced by cultural and contextual factors and varies with intention and thought.
• Ethics plays a crucial role in communication across different life spheres.