This document defines supportive communication and outlines its principles. Supportive communication aims to preserve relationships even when correcting mistakes, and results in better understanding. It discusses five types of social support that have been studied in relation to supportive communication: emotional, esteem, network, informational, and tangible support. Eight principles of supportive communication are described: being problem-oriented rather than blaming, using descriptive rather than evaluative language, communicating congruently, validating others, providing specific rather than general feedback, asking conjunctive questions, engaging in two-way listening and communication, and avoiding judgment. The document concludes that following these principles strengthens communication and supports organizational productivity and growth.

1. Principles of
Supportive
Communication
INSTITUTE OF
MANAGEMENT STUDIES
AND RESEARCHER
(IMSAR)

2. Overview
 What do the terms supportive communicationmean?
Background of the study?
Whar are the principles of SUPPORTIVE communication ?

3. DEFINITION OF SUPPORTIVE COMMUNICATION:
 Supportive Communication results in better understanding ofcontent
and meaning of messages (Gibb).
Floyd in InterpersonalCommunication:
 Defines “supportiveness” as “A person’s feeling of assurance that others care
about and will protect him or her” (340).
Generally, Supportive communication helps employees to communicate
accurately and honestly without jeopardizing interpersonal relationships.
Supportive communication aims to preserve the relationship employees have
even if management or other emplyees have to correct or point out a mistake in
someone's actions.

4. The supportive communication aspect served a specific
role in actual communication of support unlike the
psychological perspective which is the perceived belief of
support or the sociological perspective which is
considered more of the role of social integration.
Research in Supportive Communication has utilized a
typology of supportive behaviors created in the 1970s and
80's which includes emotional, esteem, network support,
informational, and tangible. Through these typologies,
researchers have been able to better study the impact of
each of the support types.
Background of SUPPORTIVE
communication:

5. Principles of SUPPORTIVE
communication:
1. Problem-oriented
2. Congruence
3. Descriptive
4. Validation
5. Detailed
6. Conjunctive
7. Two way delivery
8. Non judging communication.

6. 1. Problem-oriented communication:
Problem-oriented communication focuses on problems
and solutions as opposed to blaming people. Problem-
oriented communication works well because it focuses
on behaviors and productivity.
This principle helps to look after the productivity
enhancement. Works for solving the problems arises in
the industry.
It also provide an insight to look at things clearly.
A new path is given and problems are resolved. It is
the main aspect in supportive communication.

7. 2. Descriptive communication:
Supportive communication is descriptive, not evaluative. When a
judgement is made or a label is placed on individuals for their
behavior, evaluative communication has taken place.
Evaluative communication expresses judgment of the listener, or
his or her actions. To be an effective constructive communicator,
we have to objectively describe problems rather than speak
within an evaluative manner. Evaluative communication puts the
listener on the defensive.

8. 3. Congruence Communication:
Congruent communication conveys the particular speaker is
thinking and feeling. There are situations where discretion is a
far more appropriate choice than full disclosure of that which
you think and feel. However, in most communication situations,
we communicate better when we're candid. If we aren't
honest, listeners won't trust what we should say.

9. 4. Validation:
Validating communication helps people feel understood, valued, and accepted.
In contrast, invalidating communication treats people as if they are ignored,
worthless, or alienated. Invalidating communication is superiority-oriented, rigid,
impervious and/or indifferent and its own avoid treating the listener like a lesser
person.
validating communication helps people feel recognized, understood, and
accepted. A major part of validating communication when there is a
superior/subordinate relationship is egalitarian communication, whereby
subordinates are treated as worthwhile, competent and insightful. Joint
problem-solving is emphasized rather than the projection of a superior position.

10. 5. Detailed/Specific communication:
Generally, the more specific the communication the more motivating
it will be. A team leader who says to a team member, “You have
trouble managing your time” is too general to be useful. A more
specific comment might be “You spent an hour today photocopying
articles when you could have asked the secretary to do it.” Specific
statements avoid global statements that might lead to defensiveness.

11. 6. Conjuctive communication:
Validating communication helps people feel understood, valued, and accepted. In
contrast, invalidating communication treats people as if they are ignored,
worthless, or alienated. Invalidating communication is superiority-oriented, rigid,
impervious and/or indifferent and its own avoid treating the listener like a lesser
person.
Conjunctive communication entails asking questions based on the team
member’s previous statements, waiting for a sentence to be completed before
responding, and by saying only a few sentences at a time to give the other team
member an opportunity to speak.

12. 7. Two way dilevery:
Supportive communication requires listening, not one-way message
delivery. The previous six attributes of supportive communication focus on
message delivery. However, just as important is listening effectively and
responding to the other team member’s statements. People judged to be the
most “wise” and the most sought-after for interaction are also the best
listeners.

13. 8. Non- judging communication:
supportive communication is to show understanding and respect for the
other person’s or team members’ feelings. As a team leader, helping
people to cope by themselves is your goal, and mutual respect and
consideration leads to positive results. Thus, when confronting an
individual with whom you have a problem, one should always be mindful
of your own actions and words and their affect on the other team
member’s feelings. Using supportive communication will lead to a
stronger, more effective team that benefits everybody.

14. CONCLUSION
At last, need to conclude that ; SUPPORTIVE communication is
just not a way but also a solution to run an organisation. It
strengthens the system of communication.
SUPPORTIVE communication is based upon the principles, it is
required to understand them and follow them to attain a better
communication and productive growth on the interpersonal skills
as well as in institutions.

15. By: Bhawana (131 5.a)