A Communication Theory

1. Constructivism
By Younes ABAJTIT
Professor: Tayeb GHOURDOU

2. Outline
• Introducing Constructivism
• Principles of Constructivism
• Applications and Advantages of Constructivism

3. Introducing Constructivism
• It is a communication theory that seeks to explain individual differences in
people’s ability to communicate skillfully in social situations.

4. Example
• Two employees decide to ask their boss for a day off. The first one walks into the
supervisor’s office and says, “I’d like to take this Friday off. I know that’s our busiest day, but
I’ve been working really hard lately and think I deserve a break. Jamie can do my work that
day since she usually just hangs out by the water cooler anyway.” The boss promptly denies
his request.
• The second employee enters the office and says, “I’d like to take this Friday off, but I know
it’s our busiest day and I don’t want to leave the office short-handed. If Friday won’t work, I
can take Tuesday off instead. I’ve already talked to Jaime, and she said she’d be happy to
cover my duties while I’m gone on either day.” The boss grants him the desired day off.

5. Principles of Constructivism
• This theory is used to: describe, judge, and get impression of people.
→ analyzing a social situation.
• Constructivists see two types of people:
Cognitively immature: good/bad
Sophisticated observer of human scene. They are capable of distinguishing
subtle differentiation.

6. Applications and Advantages of
Constructivism
• People with large interpersonal constructs have better perception skills.
• Testing personality: to whom I speak…
• Delia theorized Person-centred message. That is to say, message reflects
awareness.
• The speaker can anticipate (Expectancy Violation theory) how others
respond, then manage (CMM theory) communication accordingly.
→Strategic adaptation.

7. Thank you for your attention