This document provides an overview of several communication theories:
1. Standpoint theory proposes that people experience situations from their own social standpoint and perspective. Members of marginalized groups have different experiences than mainstream groups.
2. Muted group theory suggests that language serves some groups better than others. It argues that men have dominated the development of language and that women's experiences are not fully represented or expressed.
3. Groupthink theory explains how the desire for conformity in cohesive groups can result in irrational and poor decision-making by failing to consider alternative perspectives.
4. Face-negotiation theory examines how different cultures manage conflict and negotiation, with some emphasizing saving face and avoiding damage to groups more than others
2. Disciplines that studies principles of transmiting information
Introduction
Groupthink
Cohesive groups may
fail to consider
alternatives.
Muted Group Theory
Language serves certain
groups better than others.
Standpoint
Theory
People occupy
different places in
social hierarchy.
Face-Negotiation
Vaious cultures manage
conflict/negotiation
differently.
Rhetoric
Based on means of
persuasion.
3. Women’s and Men’s Standpoint differs
Standpoint Theory – People are situated in specific social standpoints
What does it mean?
Because individuals view things
from particular vantage
points, each vantage point only
provides a partial understanding
of the social whole.
It’s about the different
ways that people
experience situations
Questions the
notion of
objectivity
Focuses on lived
experiences
Like other theories
proposes that
differences are to be
embraced rather than
conformities.
People view social
situations from
particular vantage
points
4. Women’s and Men’s Standpoint differs
Standpoint Theory – People are situated in specific social standpoints
Where did it come from?
Theory grew from notions about
power and power in society
People’s lives are
sources of
“expertise”
Members of
marginalized groups
have experiences
different from those
of mainstream group
5. Language serves men better than women
Muted Group Theory – Why some are better served than others
The barriers
White men are named clearly in
language, whereas the
experiences of women are not.
A critical theory
concerned with how
power is used against
people.
Language is a culture
bound resulting in male-
bias language.
Women are muted
group, left out of
the creation of
words.
Men create words and
meaning for culture.
Women are left without
means to express what
is unique to them.
6. Language serves men better than women
Muted Group Theory – Why some are better served than others
The Assumptions:
• Men/Women have different
world views
• These different experiences
results in the performance of
different societial tasks
Men enact power
politically.
Women must convert their
unique
ideas, experiences, and
meanings into male
language.
Women understand
men’s meaning, but men
don’t understand
women’s meaning.
Women have a more
difficult time expressing
themselves.
Women create words to
provide special and
unique meanings to
women.
7. Muted Group Theory – Why some are better served than others
”Women perceive the world
differently from men because of
women’s and men’s different
experience and activities rooted in
the division of labor”
(Kramarae, 1981).
Muted Group Theory Video, 2010
Male titles are not determined
by his relationship, in
comparison a woman’s titles
(Mrs. and Miss) are reflective
of relationship status.
8. S a un
Fail to consider alternatives
Groupthink – Share dissimilar ideas
Phenomenon
•Conditions in groups promote
cohesiveness
•Problem solving in groups is a
unified process
•Groups and group decision
making are complex
Cohesiveness is the
foundation of groups
which may hinder
alternative viewpoints
When striving to ‘get along’
in groups, there is not a
predisposition to disrupt by
offering ‘out the box’
suggestions
Problem –solving and task-
oriented groups are complex
The similarity of
characteristics in group
members can foster
Groupthink
9. S a un
Fail to consider alternatives
Groupthink – Share dissimilar ideas
Symptoms
•Overestimation
•Closed-mindedness
•Uniformity Pressures
•Out-Group Stereotypes
•Inherent Morality Belief
Behaviors suggesting the
group is more than it is.
Group ignores differences
in people and warnings
about poor group decisions
Members go along to get along
Influence on members
who provide thoughts
contrary to the group’s
10. S a un
Groupthink Video
Groupthink – Share dissimilar ideas
Defined
A mode of thinking people engage in
when they are deeply involved in a
cohesive group, the strive for
unanimity overrides the realistic
appraise of alternative actions (Janis
1982)
“Groups bring about the
worst as well as the
best” (Janis, 1982)
Variables of
groupthink: cohesion,
insulation, and
impartial leadership
11. Face-Negotiation Theory- Manage conflict differently
Concerns & Conflict Negotiation
Saving Face
Intercultural communications
are dynamic
Individualistic culture, and people
from collectivistic cultures use
different ways to resolve conflict.
What seems right and natural
to one culture may seem
inappropriate to members of
another.
Seen as conflict
resolution between
cultures with differing
styles.
Different viewpoints of
members of collectivist
and individualistic
cultures.
12. Face-Negotiation Theory- Manage conflict differently
Concerns & Conflict Negotiation
Criticism
• Some collectivistic cultures
value egalitarianism
• Theory ignored or viewed
as ineffective
Collectivist cultures emphasize
collective and avoid things that
might damage the group.
To collectivist saving
group’s face is primary. The theory has been
criticized since its
introduction
Individualistic
cultures emphasize
individual members
the face of group is
secondary.
13. Rhetoric Theory – Blast from the Past
Rhetoric Video
Aristotle
•Rhetoric was a teachable skill
•Established in Athens
•Rhetoric could make the
weaker argument the stronger
Assumptions of Rhetoric:
1. Consider the audience
2. Use proofs in the
presentation
Defined by Aristotle as
the available means of
persuasion
Defined by Farrell
as
productive, constit
utive and
inventional art.
Brings the
audience directly
into the picture
as co-participant
17. Communciation
fosters
understanding
Conclusion cont‘d
Word-view
The theories selected are
closely aligned with my valued
beliefs and valued technique of
learning. Adverse or
disapproving judgments do not
matter in as much as
experience or observations.
If an empirical matter is critical, it is
accepted based on the logical proofs
within context.
Interpretive theories are valued as
being an expansion of knowledge
spread through models, concepts,
beliefs, experiences, understanding,
etc. for one and all to glean from
and pass down the line.
18. Works Cited
CIM601 18
Farrell, Thomas. Rhetoric in History as Theory and Praxis: A Blast from the Past. University Park,
PA: Philosophy and Rhetoric, Vol. 41, No. 4 2008. Print.
Turner, Lynn, et al. Introducing Communication Theory: Analysis and Application. McGraw-
Hill: New York, 2010. Print.
Barnett, B. (2009). From Theory to Classroom: Some Practical Applications of Standpoint Theory.
Feminist Teacher. Muse.jhu.edu
Baer, J. (1998, Spring). Muted Group Theory by Cheris Kramarae. University of Colorado at Boulder.
Rose, J. (n.d.). Diverse Perspectives on the Groupthink Theory – A Literary Review. Regent University.
(2013). Face Negotiation Theory. Communication Studies.
Editor's Notes
My five favorite theories are based in theories that are observed, experience and contain disapproving judgments. (empirical and critical)Although I wrote research paper on the Rhetoric theory, my favorite of all theories, in this presentation only summaries of each theory and how they interrelate with my world-view will be examined.Standpoint Theory – is deemed to be both empirical and critical. As will be described in following slide(s).Muted Group Theory – rests on three assumptions and five hypotheses about male/female language and interactions. I deem this theory to be empirical, interpretive and critical. Groupthink – is deemed empirical and interpretive as it speaks to the symptoms of Groupthink (overestimation, closed mindedness, and pressure toward uniformity) and how they lead to defective decisions rather than valued resolve of dilemmas.Face-Negotiation Theory- involves the interpretation of the dynamics of intercultural communication.Rhetoric Theory – I deemed mostly empirical and critical in that it speaks to all methods of the act of persuasion, which also should be used in conjunction with rhetorical proofs like logical, emotional and ethical to appeal to the audience’s sensitivities. As you advance through each slide a comprehensive meaning of each theory will unfold along with my world-view that will become apparent by the end of the presentation.
*There is a strong similarity between Standpoint and Muted Group theories. As they both examine/explain differing points of view, language type, experiences of genders and racial/ethnic groups. These inferences in said theory are made through observations and empirical interpretations.
Hartsock Harding in “Feminist” notes that “strong objectivity” that examines our own beliefs and values should be looked in analyzing how they impact research questions, interests and practices.**According to Harding, biases should be acknowledged in an effort to produce less partial and distortion in the world-view.
The theory is said to be critical because it speaks to power and the influence of a particular group (white men) over language, expression of ideas and creation.It is said the the Muted Group theory was first proposed by Edwin Ardener to explain why certain groups in society are not heard. I decided to use the gender perspective, which demonstrates the power play between men and women because women are perceived to be less powerful. Baer, J. (1998). Muted Group Theory by Cheris Kramarae.
According to the theory, since men have preserved the right to create language they are the ones to benefit most by the way it is constructed.From my perspective, this theory studies knowledge and knowing (epistemology) and as such is mostly critical in comparison to empirical and interpretive. The criticalness of the theory is demonstrated in many examples:Women make approximately 75 cents for every male made $1 to perform equal tasks.Men sustain their power, to an extent, by suppressing women’s positions on issues within the organization.Of the Fortune 500 company heads female CEOs represent about 3%In 2009, women held 15.2% of Fortune 500 board seatsIn 2009 and 2010, 12% of Fortune 500 companies had no women serving on their boards. (USA Today, 2011)
The above noted are explanation are by Warner & Turner of Groupthink (242-243) who also argues a point that groups are usually better problem solvers than solitary individuals.Cohesion differs from one group to another and can produce varying results (245).
Groupthink is said to be in existence for 40 years with 24 models and experimental studies limited to a few of those models. When symptoms are present it is highly probable that groupthink has occurred.
Groupthink, from my perspective, is epistemology in that it studies knowledge as it relates to methods of human behavior. ***Groupthink is said to have occurred when decisions are made against an individual’s better judgment.Some suggestion that may prevent groupthink:An open climate of giving and accepting criticism should be encouragedLeaders should refrain from stating personal preferences and should foster open inquiry.Bring in outside experts from time to time to challenge views.There should be a few devil’s advocates during every group meeting.Reconsider the decision before going public
First conceived by Stella Ting-Toomey (1985), was born from frustration with interpersonal conflict communication theories of the era.
Face is the image of one’s self that people display during conversations with others. According to this theory it is maintained, lost or strengthened (West & Turner, 450).A model of face-negotiation that I ascribe most to is that of ‘Approbation Facework’ where there is more focus on the positive aspects of another than the negative aspects (452). It reminds me of the song lyrics, ‘Ac-cent-Tchu-ate the positive’ by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer. In short it speaks to putting all differences aside by focusing on the positive to build towards resolution.
I simply understand Rhetoric in this way it uses all available means of language to make an argument more effective. The tools of rhetoric known as logos ethos, and pathos help to make your point. Further I believe that it is both an art and a gift and all persons taught the concepts of rhetoric may not be successful in effective persuasion. Hence the need for professional speech writers or writers.
In pulling it all together it is noted that some theories had similarities.Standpoint and Muted Group theories had similarities on how different experiences/situations influences relationshipsThese theories are also noted to be similar in how they focus on dissimilar groups communications namely male/femaleGroupthink and Face negotiation are similar when noting how factors in both theories lend to probable outcomes. Additionally, the core concept of Groupthink is to save the face of the group where the concept of Face negotiation, depending on the culture, is to save face of individual or the face of the group.
The theories selected are closely aligned with my valued beliefs and my method of learning. Adverse or disapproving judgments do not matter in as much as experience or observed occurring. However if the an empirical matter is critical it is accepted based on the logical proofs within context. Interpretive theories are valued as being an expansion of knowledge spread through models, concepts, beliefs, experiences, understanding, etc. for one and all to glean from and pass down the line.
The theories selected are closely aligned with my valued beliefs and my method of learning. Adverse or disapproving judgments do not matter in as much as experience or observed occurring. However if the an empirical matter is critical it is accepted based on the logical proofs within context. Interpretive theories are valued as being an expansion of knowledge spread through models, concepts, beliefs, experiences, understanding, etc. for one and all to glean from and pass down the line.