Proximity refers to the space between people during communication and interaction. The appropriate level of proximity depends on factors like the relationship between individuals and the social setting. There are defined zones of proximity including public, social, personal, and intimate zones that range from over 12 feet to under 1.5 feet respectively. In workplace settings, maintaining appropriate proximity is important and depends on factors such as gender, authority levels, and intimacy of relationships. When interacting with bosses, maintain a distance of 4-6 feet and always ask permission before entering a coworker's office or using their belongings. More intimate relationships allow for closer proximity of 3-4 feet when discussing private topics. Overall, giving people the proper space makes them feel comfortable and communic

1. Ashley Wagner
10/29/14
Business Communications II
Montgomery
Proximity (Space)
Proximity is space; the space you’re most comfortable at, the space that feels most
professional, the space that you give to your friends, family, and co-workers. Communicating is
easier when the other person is within close proximity. The level of proximity you maintain with
others depends largely on your level of comfort with the other person and the type of social
setting you are in. (Public Zone 12+ feet, Social Zone 4 to 12 feet, Personal Zone 1 ½ to 4 feet,
Intimate Zone 1 ½ feet.) The way you stand and how far you stand away from someone that
you're talking to shows who you are and how you interact with people that you speak to.
While in the workplace, if you are applying proxemics; different situations call for
different measures. First, when speaking to men you want to be farther away from them because
their personal space requirement is larger than women's space requirement. Next, when speaking
to a supervisor or boss you want to give more personal space than you would give to co-workers,
or friends. This shows that you respect their authority and that you know your position in the
work place. Third, if you choose to go to a co-workers office be sure to knock and get permission
to enter or to touch any of their things. This shows respect for your co-workers items and
personal space. Then, do not assume it is ok to make something that isn't yours, yours. Do not
borrow anything without permission, or use anything without first knowing if it’s ok. People get
very territorial over their things at the office, and may get upset or frustrated if anyone touches

2. their items. Lastly, the more intimate the relationship, the less personal space is required. It is
difficult to communicate topics of intimacy across more than 3-4 feet; therefore, communicators
move closer to do so.
Proximity is the space that everyone feels most comfortable at; if the comfort level gets
crossed then people start to feel uncomfortable and it can lead to problems. When speaking to
men, stay farther away from them. If approaching your boss or supervisor do not get any closer
than 4-6 feet. Always get permission before entering a co-workers office. Do not touch things
that don't belong to you without permission. If you are in an intimate relationship with someone
only then is it okay to cross the boundaries of staying 3-4 feet away from the other person. It is
very important to give people the proper space that makes them feel most comfortable and lets
them know that you know where you stand; proxemics is a very important aspect of life in the
workplace.
Citations:
Business Communications Book pg. 249-250
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxemics
http://proxemics.weebly.com/types-of-proxemics.html