Abstract
Communication plays a crucial role in our day to day life. It helps to create a relationship or destroy a relationship with the other party. Communication plays a vital role in problem solving and decision making. There are four main types of communication system. This includes passive communication, assertive communication, passive aggressive communication and aggressive communication. Aggressive communication and passive-aggressive communication are used where the individual is angry. On the other hand, passive communication and assertive communications types are used where an individual is in a happy mood. Problem solving and decision making in the case of passive and assertive communication system is easy as compared to the former types of communication.
According to Barnett, assertive communication is a type of communication in which the individuals involved in the communication process clearly express their opinions and feelings regarding the subject matter. The individuals present their argument in a manner that does not violate the rights of the other individual. Assertive communication is characterized by being honest, care about each other, care about the outcome, respect of the rights of the other individual and dealing with anger directly. The individuals talk in a calm voice and do not create room for manipulation or abuse by other people. The individuals get to address issues and problems in an orderly manner.
In explaining assertive communication, I am going to use an illustration of a situation where we had different opinions regarding the type of investment to undertake. I was the treasurer of a self help group which comprised of twenty members. The self help group was founded in order to re-unite former classmates. We would contribute some amount of money each time we had a meeting. The chairman of the group decided we invest the money. I had the opinion of investing in treasury bills and bonds. The chairman, on the other hand, preferred we deposit the money in a joint account where we would earn interest.
The chairman said that he respected my suggestion. He argued that investing in treasury bills would be riskier than depositing the money in the bank. I explained to him the transaction costs that are involved in both types of investment. My actions were assertive in that I listened to him while he was explaining the importance of investing in a deposit saving account over the treasury bills and bonds. We analyzed the interest rates and transaction costs involved. We decided to invest in treasury bills and bonds. Our words and actions led to an agreement on what type of investment to undertake.
Passive-aggressive is another form of communication. Under this type, an individual may appear to be passive, but he is acting out of anger indirectly. This type of communication is mostly used where an individual does not have the power possessed by the other party. Thomas argues that individuals may feel powerless and resentful when they are involved in passive-aggressive behavior. The individuals are incapable of addressing the issue directly. They mutter to themselves and often use sarcasm when talking.
The passive-aggressive communication is clearly brought out in a situation where I was in conflict with my boss in the workplace. I was the firm accountant. I had the responsibility of preparing financial statements in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles. All transactions had to be accounted. I was reporting directly to the managing director.
Independent auditors would come to check on the financial statements at the end of the financial period. They would provide an opinion on whether the statements prepared reflect true and fair view of the firm financial status. The managing director would overstate some expenses and sometimes claim reimbursement for expenses that have not actually been incurred. The auditors noted there was a mistake in the preparation of the financial statements. Some expenses did not have the required authorization.
The auditor demanded an explanation from me because it was my responsibility to prepare correct financial statements. I requested them to contact the managing director since he was the one who incurred those expenses. When contacted, the managing director denied incurring the expenses. I felt helpless as I had no other evidence. I tried to explain that I had misplaced the transaction vouchers, but I was angry. I managed to convince them that the missing vouchers had been misplaced. I acted in an extremely polite way so that the auditors could trust in what I was telling them.
References
Barnett, S. &. (2011). Communication: Organization and Innovation (3rd Ed.). Auckland: Pearson New Zealand.
Thomas R. Lindlof, B. C. (2010). Qualitative Communication Research Methods (3rd Ed). London: Sage.
