of an Individual’s Communication Behavior
Communication is a fundamental aspect of everyday life that ensures the smooth flow of activities. It is defined as the process by which information is exchanged between two or more people. It can also involve the exchange of one person’s needs, knowledge, affective state or even their desires. This exchange of information could either be verbal or non- verbal, it could as well be expressed intentionally from one person to another or it could be unintentional. Communication behavior on the other hand refers to the mode of communication that is influenced by an individual’s behavior or even their personal character traits.
This paper takes a closer look at the two aspects that affect communication behavior in individuals. Culture, refers to the way of life that an individual is exposed to. It includes their environment, the individual’s cultural practices such as the music as well as their traditions. Additionally it refers to the family set up within which a person is brought up in. Such cultural consideration is noted as being fundamental in the development and description of an individual’s communication behavior. Apart from culture, the genetic makeup of an individual has been suggested as being a major proponent involved in the shaping of a person’s communication behavior. It is argued that the linkage in the genes of an individual’s form a person’s likes and dislikes which determine the temperament of a person and consequently the person’s.
This paper seeks to look into the arguments posed on both in supposition of which of the two factors plays a major role in the determination of a person’s communication behavior. By looking at the different types of behavior communication we can consider the level of influence by culture vis-à-vis genetic influence. This will give a conclusive picture on which of the two aspects has a major influence on a person.
Communication behavior is essential for effective communication. This is because it is the choice of behavior that is chosen when communicating with others. To begin with, aggressive behavior is one behavioral mode of communication that is expressed during communication. This usually expressed violently either verbally or physically. Aggressive behavior is mostly communicated in response to anger, fear, and lack of self esteem or a particular threat. In its expression, more often than not, the rights of the other individual being communicated with are curtailed. As observed, this is an environmental influence as all the causative agents of this communication behavior are externally generated. The frequency with which an individual expresses aggression could be characterized by family aggression expression for instance a harsh parent who constantly shouts at the children, cause the children to grow up in fear and ultimately with the knowledge of expressing this communication behavior.
Avoidance is yet another communication behavior. This is mostly expressed by evasive tactics where the individual tries to evade confronting a particular situation. This trait is descriptive of situations where the individual is fearful of the consequences of the particular event or they just do not wish to confront the consequences. Mostly it is expressed as refusal to recognize a problem or intentionally avoiding the confrontational situation. Classic example is avoiding answering a phone call or even keeping away from others within the social context. This in turn reflects on cultural influence on communication behavior.
Assertive behavior is also considered. A person can express themselves assertively in the sense of protecting a person’s space and boundaries. But at the same time this behavior isolates other people as the individual may not like the interference. It fundamentally depends upon the appropriate expression of a person’s needs and their relation to others around them. Assertion normally leads to desertion by other people as it locks out others.
Conclusively the influence of culture in a person’s life models the person’s communication behavior. While growing up humans often emulate what they come across in their environment. Highly influenced by the culture of the people, involved their families, friends, and cultural ongoing. I stand for the option that genetics play a fundamental role in determining the person’s physical development whereas the behavioral element is majorly determined by the individual’s culture.
REFERENCES
Floyd, K. (2010). Communication Matters: McGraw-Hill Companies,Inc.
Burgoon, J. K., Guerrero, L. K., & Floyd, K. (2009). Nonverbal Communication:
Allyn & Bacon.
