Uncertainty Reduction Theory

The goal of first encounters is to reduce the amount of uncertainty while increasing the level of predictability of the other individual’s behavior. The best way to diminish uncertainty is to gather information about the other person (Marjolijn, Antheunis, Valkenburg & Jochen, 2010). Knowing that one will be sharing some space with another person for an extended period, identifying how they act, think, relate with others, and handle their affairs helps reduce uncertainties about their behavior. The following paper exploresdiscussion herein dwells on the Uncertainty Reduction Theory in action. acting between an intern in a corporation and the head of interns in the said corporation as well as fellow interns. The topics discussed during the entrance phase are usually general and impersonal (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2014).

The information and topics of discussion become increasingly personal during the second stage, where individuals are bound to share information about their beliefs, attitudes, and values (cite). The second stage is about understanding the other person. More complex informational questions and answers arise during theis personal phase, which is also characterized by an increased emotional involvement. The third stage is the exit stage, where both individuals explore the need to further a relationship (cite). Nonverbal affiliative expressiveness is the second variable and it entails nonverbal cues such as head nods, facial expressions, and hand gestures. The third variable is known as information seeking behavior and it refers to the number of questions that the interacting parties act. Intimacy level of communication content is the fourth variable and it refers to the level of risk in the personal information that the interacting parties exchange.

For instance, demographic information is considered to be low-risk while information touching on attitudes, opinions, and beliefs is deemed to be high-risk (Berger & Calabrese, 1975). The fifth variable is called reciprocity and it is an assessment of how equal the sharing of information is between the interacting individuals. As the uncertainty reduces, levels of intimacy increase. Axiom 5 High levels of uncertainty elicit reciprocity while low uncertainty leads to low rates of reciprocity. Axiom 6 Similarities between individuals reduce uncertainty levels while the lack of similarities leads to increased uncertainty levels. Axiom 7 High uncertainty levels lead to a lowered probability of liking while reduced uncertainty levels lead to a higher probability of liking. Background I carried out my internship at the Zenith Corporations. Knowing that she also had to make mistakes along the way to get to where she is gave me the confidence to make independent decisions, knowing that someone would have my back regardless of the eventuality.

During the internship, I shared a cubicle with Harry, another intern who was assigned to a different department. I used the interactive approach with Harry to reduce uncertainty. We had to learn about each other to give ourselves the hope of accomplishing something together. Even if were assigned to different departments, Harry had no problem helping out whenever my workload was too much, and I also did the same for him. , Beebe, S. J. & Redmond, M. V. Interpersonal communication: Relating to others ,( 7th ed. Some explorations in initial interaction and beyond: Toward a developmental theory of interpersonal communication. Human Communication Research, 1, 99-112. https://doi. org/10. 1111/j. A first look at communication theory (#th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Hogan, T. P.