Unit 3 Flashcards
Definition of culture
A way of life: system of ideas, beliefs, values, customs, and language that is passed from one generation to another.
Standpoint/Standpoint theory
Standpoint is the social, symbolic, and material condi- tions common to a group of people that influence how they understand themselves, others, and society.
Standpoint theory: A theory that holds that a culture includes a number of social groups that differently shape the perceptions, identities, and opportunities of members of those groups.
Ethnocentrism
The tendency to regard ourselves and our way of life as normal and superior to other people and other ways of life.
Cultural relativism
The recognition that cultures vary in thought, action, and behavior as well as in beliefs and values; not the same as moral relativism.
Communication climate
An environment that can create either a supportive or defensive environment.
Provisionalism
Alternative to certainty which relies on tentative language to signal openness to other points of view. Openmindedness.
Control
Controlling communication attempts to coerce others. In response, others often feel defensive, and they may respond with resentment or even rebellion.
Certainty
It is absolute and often dogmatic. It suggests there is only one valid answer, point of view, or course of action. Closemindedness.
Description
Listening and describing behaviors and information without passing judgment.
Empathy
Confirms the worth of others and shows concern for their thoughts and feelings.
Sponteneity
Spontaneous communication is open, honest, and not manipulative. To be ethical, spontaneous communication must not be used against others.
Strategy
Strategic communication aims at manipulating a person or group for the benefit of the person manipulating. In work situations, employees may become defensive if they feel management is trying to trick them into thinking their jobs are more important than they are.
Types of confirmation: recognition
The most basic level of interpersonal confirmation; the communication of awareness that another person exists and is present.
Types of confirmation: Acknowledgment
The second of three levels of interpersonal confirmation; communicating that you hear and understand another’s expressed feelings and thoughts.
Types of confirmation: Endorsement
The third of three levels of interpersonal confirmation; the communication of acceptance of an- other’s thoughts and feelings. Not the same as agreement.
Listening
The process of receiving, constructing meaning from, and responding to spoken and/or nonverbal messages. The process consists of being mindful, hearing, selecting and organizing information, interpreting communication, responding, and remembering.
Hearing
A physiological activity that occurs when sound waves hit our eardrums. Unlike listening, hearing is a passive process.
Problem oriented
focuses on resolving problems. The goal is to work collaboratively to come up with something that everyone finds acceptable.
Equality
At the relationship level of meaning, expressed equality communicates re- spect. This promotes an open, unguarded climate for interaction. Encourages everyone to be involved without feeling inadequate.
Response to conflict: exit
Involves leaving conflict, either by physically exiting or by psychologically withdrawing. Does not resolve the conflict.
Response to conflict: neglect
Occurs when a person denies or minimizes problems. Denys that a serious issue exists.
Response to conflict: loyalty
Staying committed to a relationship despite differences. Loyalty involves hoping that things will get better on their own. Loyalty is silent al- legiance, so it is passive. Allows for the disagreement to be addressed later.
Response to conflict: voice
Potentially the most active, constructive response to conflict because it focuses on dealing directly with problems and helps the relationship by managing differences
