Communicative Behaviour

Communicative behaviour refers our action or reaction to both internal and external stimuli in a communicative situation. It can be any action or representation that attempts to convey a meaning. Our of pleasure at meeting a friend after many years or our frustration or anger in a situation we fail to handle are examples of communicative behaviour. Since all behaviour communicates meaning, the flow of communication remains continuous.  The strength and direction of relationships depend on positive and negative communicative behaviour. Understanding the communicative behaviour of others strengthens relationships, while misinterpreting or misunderstanding such behaviour creates distance and spreads misinformation.  An appropriate choice of communicative behaviour makes situations positive, inappropriate choices make them negative. Very often it is not what is said but how it is said that triggers a positive or negative reaction.

Aggressive behaviour isolates or offends the rights of individuals. Such behaviour typically displays dominance through physical or verbal violence. It expresses feelings of anger, fear, loss of control, or lack of self esteem and can be triggered through automatic reactions or reaction to a threatening situation. This behaviour puts the aggressor’s rights and needs above the other party’s and shows lack of responsibility and maturity.

Submissive or accommodating behaviour reduces anxiety or fear by allowing one’s own thoughts to be ignored, thereby setting the ground for others to take advantage easily. Such behaviour is usually learnt early and instilled by parental or hierarchical dominance. It gives the advantage of not rocking the boat and is noticed in people who have a hard time saying “No” to unreasonable requests. Loss of self esteem as well as potentially aggressive outbursts, are side effects of built up resentment that stems from such behaviour.

Avoidance behaviour is used to avoid confrontation and can be expressed in many ways such as refusing to interact or visit, avoiding social activities etc. It ignores responsibilities and rights through fear of future consequences. Individuals prone to such behaviour grow adept at avoiding uncomfortable situations, possibly due to refusal to see the situation as it is or face up to realities.

Assertive behaviour expresses rights, needs and feelings in a direct and honest approach while still acknowledging others’ space and rights. This behaviour leads to healthy and effective communication as a win-win situation is created whereby both parties are benefited. However, chances of misinterpreting assertive behaviour as aggressive are high. However, people with assertive behaviour acknowledge the rights and needs of others and aggressive behaviour ignores them though both display firmness of resolve.

Communication patterns follow from the behavioural approaches adopted. It is reflected in word choice, delivery style, and most importantly in non verbal cues in messages.