Now, we all had varying answers. From the exchange of ideas, to the sharing of information; what we've understood the term Communication to cover, seemed to only skim the surface.
So, we were assigned a task, to answer two questions, as a group, with no wrong or right answers.
Qn. 1 Define communication in your own words and terms, and with that, defend why you express it as such.
We came to a conclusion that communication can be defined by the human need for acknowledgement or the understanding of one's existence. Abraham Maslow, an American Psychologist, was best known for proposing the "Theory of Human Motivation". This theory, focuses on the stages of human needs and describes the pattern that human motivations generally move through.
The image on the right, is a representation of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, with the largest, most fundamental needs at the bottom, working up to Self-Actualization at the top. Esteem, is placed as the second highest need which includes self-esteem, confidence, achievement, respect of others and respect by others. With this theory, communication, in the form of an exchange of information or ideas through a medium, whether on a personal level or virtually, can hope to achieve a sense of recognition and acceptance.
People need to engage themselves in order to be recognised for what they do or how they can contribute. We all want to feel valued, at work or at home and this sense of fulfillment is what drives us to communicate on a daily basis. Communication in a number of ways may be expressed in verbal or non-verbal forms. Verbal communication, is the simplest way to gain recognition and to be heard. For example, saying 'Good Morning' to a colleague and having them acknowledge you, invokes a positive feeling in oneself.
Likewise with non-verbal communications in the form of daily journals. Bloggers for example, communicate online, sharing their experiences and opinions to an unspecified number of readers, whether or not they exist. Posts may not even be of much significance, as the use of social networks Twitter and Facebook do, where users share their daily encounters; even when they’re having a slice of cake. Then again, there are outlets where users express their opinions on more serious matters, such as the general elections, world news, conspiracy theories; all in the need to be heard and recognised.
Non-verbal cues, are another way of expressing oneself; or a way to be understood. The decision for us to dress, speak or act in a certain way, to sustain the feeling of confidence, ultimately affects our self-esteem and the way we view ourselves and the world.
Point being, communication is a driving force that aids to fulfil the human desire to achieve a personal level of satisfaction in their lives or a sense of purpose. This necessity allows us to constantly reach out to better our characters, living conditions, technological advances, medicinal developments and more.
Qn. 2 Why do you think we have this drive or urge to communicate with one another?
As explored in the question earlier, the drive or urge to communicate with one another helps up achieve a positive emotional experience. It is ingrained into our system the need to feel good about ourselves, though this affects each and every one of us differently.
The way people communicate can sometimes bring about immeasurable results. It could also create an impact on people's thoughts and change the world. Communication is not restricted to people alone; animals also communicate in ways other species could recognize. We even try to communicate with our pets, believing that they could understand us. How people try to communicate depends on individuals, tools and platforms that have been created throughout history. For example, computers and movies evolved due to the relentless pursuit of a better world, through better communication means. The strong desires of leaving an impact to change perceptions and stereotyping also created famous people and famous quotes.
Bruce Lee, for example, left a legacy so strong that no other has been able to fill the void after his passing. By using kung-fu as his way to communicate to the world, he changed the way the world perceived the Chinese people to be. His vision and contribution to movies changed not only how martial arts could be delivered, it also unlocked the door to a better understanding of kung-fu as an art form. Because of his beliefs and dedication, he also managed to rid Asian stereotyping in Hollywood movies and shift the use of Asian characters in movies. The impact of Bruce Lee lives on until today, 39 years after his death.
Decision Making
In decision making, communication will have to take place. Be it making a decision at an individual level or a group level. The decision makers are thus driven to communicate simply because they have to reach a consensus or find closure (decision).
• Individual
When an individual wants to make a decision, he will do so cognitively or seek recognition from transmitters (other people) around him.
Even on a cognitive level of decision making, an individual communicates his process through his body language or other non verbal cues. These cues are transmitted to his surroundings, either with or without him realising it. An example would be, when an offender is being interrogated, his nervousness in answering (decision) the questions posed, coupled with his persistent perspirations and dilation of his pupils, are the ideas that is being communicated to the investigator.
As we can see, the subject did not actually plan to give away such clues in his decision making process. However, there is this subconsious drive or urge, that gave him away.
• Group
At a group level, members will definitely have the urge to communicate their inputs (ideas) to the decision making process, which is usually led or facilitated by a dominant member, who will be assumed to be the leader.
The ideas brought forth, again, may be seen as opinions even if it means the member just said that he was fine with anything. As such a message was communicated, it may be interpreted by the other members that the person would be agreeable to any consensus, or even, it could be, he does not want to have or face a conflict within the group.
Many times, members would try to bring forth their ideas in a manner which will influence the decision of the group. They do so by getting the acknowledgement of their existence through persuasion or sometimes persistence.
Even with all that's been said above, communication still seems like a vast subject; like an open concept. It will always be prone to perception and depth. So it'll be interesting to see what we can learn from its histories and technologies. Until the next assignment.
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