Description
This week, you have been reading about key assumptions of interpersonal communication processes and
examining how communicators’ goals influence these processes. The individuals involved in aconversation have
their own point of view, perspective, experiences, and insights. Nearly all communication is goal-oriented to
some extent, from gaining trust to learning more about each other to even selling products or providing services,
whether or not the participants are aware of it. Each individual brings his or her own unique perspective and
influence into daily communication to meet these unconscious or conscious goals.
For this week’s Discussion, you consider the relationship between interpersonal communication fundamentals
and goals. In addition, you consider how you utilize interpersonal communication in personal and business
contexts.
To prepare:
Evaluate your daily interactions with people both at and outside of work.
Consider how your background, experiences, and point of view influenced how you communicated in your
example
With these thoughts in mind:
Post answering the following questions:
As you read the case study, did you find yourself sympathizing more with Ronnie or Kai? Why?
What perceptions and attributions are present in this case, and how do they influence the outcome of the
conflict?
What else could Kai, Ronnie, or Lauren have done differently during or after their discussions that could have
minimized the conflict? What conflict management styles, patterns, or dimensions could be used that would help
resolve the conflict? Explain.
