In the analysis of how friendship is struck and maintained, Knapp’s staircase model of relationship progress becomes necessary. Developed in 1978, Knapp’s Staircase borrows so much premises from the concepts that define the social penetration philosophy (Schrodt 77). It gives an overview of how relationships are grown and sustained. The starting stage talks of initiation. This is the level where, for the first time, a person encounter the other. Here a decision of whether it is worthy to strike a conversation or not is finalized. The next stage is of experimentation. Here, the individuals who have met try to unravel the unknown about each other. Many questions and mundane talk fill this level and a common platform is defined.
The following stage is intensifying. The persons involved begin to get close. The depth with which they disclose information is aimed at striking intimacy. Couples get on the plane of defining themselves as “we” rather than the previous “I” and “you”. Declarations of liking the other are openly made. Integration stage follows next. Here, the couples involved begin employing the constant use of nonverbal and verbal instincts they created together. The social set up realize that the two are indeed a connected unit. The last stage of bonding is where publicity sets in. Showing of commitment like marriage ceremonies are eminent. Communication reaches the optimum level. Other members of their families become blended. Friendship development study is key as it defines a major part of people’s social interaction.
The article about frequency of interaction within the step family set up is a major boost in enhancing human coexistence in the family set up. In studying the relationship, it is important to state the core element of the study which is the frequency of communication between step children-stepparents, stepparents-nonresidential parents, stepchildren-nonresidential parents, residential parents-stepchildren (Paul 223). It was realized that most stepchildren frequency of communication with the step parents was based on small talk, gossip, joking around, catching up, recapping the day and reminiscing. The stepchildren rarely involved themselves much in conversation with the stepparents on matters touching on love, relationship or conflict. This is because of the uncertain and shaky nature of this kind of relationship.
One similarity noted was the frequency of conflict between the step children and both the nonresidential parents and the stepparent (Paul Schrodt 226). However, the stepchildren tended to involve themselves in talks that revolved around love, relationship, serious conversation, and talking about problems. This kind of relationship changed overtime especially depending on the cause of the breakup or divorce between the parents. The stepchildren changed to talking about love and serious conversation overtime. This is because they are normally in need of normalization of their family lives. They also do this to avoid conflicts between the stepparents and the nonresidential parents.
The relationship/intimacy developed concept can play a major role in the organizations. Elements of interest here will be how coworkers relate with each other and how they relate with their bosses. The frequency of communication between these two groups of people and the dominating content of their conversation. First, does the workers frequently and freely talk with their bosses? In most cases, the workers keep it professional and are driven by fear of unspecified ramifications. They rarely talk about their family life, difficulties, and social lives and so on (Schrodt 229).
Workers however involve themselves in mundane talks. Their talks mostly cover small talk, gossip, catching up, joking around, reminiscing, catching up, relationship, love and complaining. The frequency with which they talk about matters professional is just too low. It is worth noting that this trend needs to change tremendously so that performance and growth of the organizations are guaranteed. When human beings instinctive and social aspects are grown and secured, they tend to have the motivation to give more to their respective organizations.
Work Cited
Schrodt, Jordan Soliz, Dawn O. Braithwaite, Aimee Miller. "An Examination of Everyday Talk in Stepfamily Systems." Western Journal of Communication (2007): 216-234.
