Within this chapter, interpersonal communication ethics is
highly emphasized by the term relationship. When the focus of the communication
is directed towards the maintenance or growth of a particular relationship and
the relationship itself is considered the main priority, then interpersonal
communication is present. I understand this as where the relationship itself is
what matters most. The book suggests that interpersonal relationships are not
necessarily limited to any and all communication encounters because if the communication
priority between individuals is completing a goal or increasing profit, then
this type of communication can be considered business and professional
communication (p. 122).
A personal example of differentiating the communication
scenarios I previously mentioned would be my communication directed towards
co-workers in a similar or same setting. When I am working with my good friend
of 10 years, I communicate with her on an interpersonal level because I care
about the overall good and well-being of our relationship. I will typically communicate
on a business or professional level with a new employee that I am working with
because my first priority with the new employee is to reach our common
organizational driven goal and not our relationship.
An interesting concept that I did not realize prior to
reading this chapter is how important distance was when referring to
interpersonal relationships. The book says that “distance permits us to see the
details more clearly,” (p. 124). While I agree with this concept to a point
because I am currently committed to a long-distance relationship, it is also
poses extreme difficulties because of the distance. My question is, how much
distance is too much distance? Or more specifically, where is the line drawn between
closeness and distance within a relationship?
I would have to agree with you on the ideas of distance. I have been wondering about it since I saw it in chapter 7. I would love the idea of more clarification on this whole idea. Distance sometimes seems so misleading. For instance when my fiance and I don't agree on something we may argue, or just walk away. If I keep my distance she will be upset yet if I sit and antagonize her I will be verbally thrashed. :)
ReplyDeleteI also work with a good friend and we are in higher up positions in our company. We tend to be very comfortable with each other and sometimes goof around too much. This becomes an issue because our employees tend to see this and think it is okay to act as we are. We tend to have to keep distance from one another. Relationships are very important to have. Without them there is no interpersonal communication. Being personal to a certain point is the goal. How do you know what point is being personal good or bad, and furthermore who can give us clear proof of the situation that is good for growth.
I really liked this section as I have studied it before. I was able to relate much more and understand what they were actually talking about. I am also going to address the idea of distance once more. If distance gives us a vision of our relationship then why is it so hard to stay away. We have all been infatuated with something or someone and known it was bad to hang on but we still do. This is because we are scared of distance. Maybe next time we should give it space and see what time tells!