Focus Questions

1
Focus Questions

1. How does communication shape interpersonal
   climates?
2. Can conflicts be good for relationships?
3. How can we assert ourselves and also respect
   others?
4. When is it appropriate to show grace toward
   others?

2
Communication Climates

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• Event ???????????????
• Location KTV???????????????????
• Timing ?????????????????
• Relationship ??????????????????
• Purpose ????????????????????
• Channel ??????BBS????????????
• Communication Climate
• Emotional tone of a relationship between people
  who are interacting
• Basic for all settings and forms of interaction

3
Levels of Confirmation

• The essence of confirmation is valuing.
• Healthy Confirmation
• Valuing, Appreciation, Respect
• Three Levels of Confirmation
• Recognition Recognizing peoples existence
• Acknowledgement Knowing peoples feeling,
  statement
• Endorsement Accepting peoples feelings and
  thoughts
• (see Figure 3.2 on page 77)

4
Defensive vs. Supportive Climates

• Evaluation vs. Description
• Defensiveness
• Certainty vs. Provisionalism
• Absolute, dogmatic, ethnocentrism vs.
  alternatives
• Strategy vs. Spontaneity
• Manipulative vs. open, honest
• Control vs. Problem Orientation
• Dominant, imposing vs. focused on
  solution-finding
• Neutrality vs. Empathy
• Indifference vs. understanding, respectful
• Superiority vs. Equality

5
Conflict and Communication

• Conflict
• Means difference, not necessarily unhealthy
• A sign that people are involved with each other
• Often with people what matter to us
• Overt vs. Covert
• Straightforward vs. Indirect expression
• Well vs. Poorly Managed
• How we perceive Lose-Lose Win-Lose Win-Win
  (next slide)
• How we respond Active vs. Passive Constructive
  vs. Destructive
• Can Be Positive (for individuals and
  relationships)

6
Components of Conflict Process

• Conflicts of interest
• Incompatible goals, interests, opinions
• Conflict orientation
• Individuals attitude toward conflict (next
  slide)
• Conflict responses
• Overt behavioral responses
• Conflict outcomes
• Resolution Impact on relationships

7
Views of Conflict

• Cultural Views Some more accept conflicts,
  others tend to avoid.
• Circumstantial Views Some worth engaging
• Lose-Lose
• Perception Losses for everyone
• Win-Lose
• One wins at the expense of others
• Win-Win
• Everyone gains A resolution all parties accept.

8
Responses to Conflict

• Active vs. Passive
• Constructive vs. Destructive

Active
Voice
Exit
Constructive
Destructive
Neglect
Loyalty
Passive
9
Guidelines for Creating Climates

• Accept and confirm others
• Affirm and assert yourself (Figure 3.4, p. 89)
• Respect diversity among people
• Time conflict effectively
• When everyone is fully present and mindful
• Be flexible when deal with differences in
  readiness
• Bracketing (marking off peripheral issues)
• Show grace when appropriate