Models of communication
The Transactional Analysis developed by Eric Barne has become a tool used in modern psychology to create a better understanding of peoples ‘relationships with one another as well as what determines the type of interactions that exist. When combined with Laswell’s communication model, the two can greatly help improve communication by explaining the factors that are likely to promote effective communication. Laswell argues that in order for communication to be effective it must contain a communicator who composes the message; the message itself; the channel used to convey the message; the receiver; and the impact that the message has upon reception.
According to Eric Barne, interaction and communication is determined by how people perceive things. Each individual is influenced by three ego states which include the parent, the adult, and the child (Lapworth & Sills, 2011). The parent ego is influenced by an individual’s experiences in the first five years of life. At this age, the individual cannot filter or question information but takes it as it is. The stage is similar to linear mode of communication where information only flows one way. In organizations, information only goes from the top management to the other members of staff who are the receivers. Interactions and communication that is approached in this manner has a higher chance of being ineffective (Bergman et al, 2020). Communicating one way in businesses for instance could affect employee motivation. If the message was intended to increase production, denying the receiver the ability to reply could make things complicated especially in the event that the message gets misinterpreted.
The second ego is the child and it represents feelings and emotions evoked by the experiences that an individual has. It is in this stage that people start to associate how they feel with their experiences (Lapworth & Sills, 2011). The transactional mode of communication is ideal for individuals in this stage as it considers both the sender and the receiver of the message as equally important in determining the type of effect that the message will have upon reception. In some cases, the communication flows in both directions thus making it possible for the receiver to offer feedback (Lapworth & Sills, 2011). Since the model associates effective communication with the sender and receiver’s cultural upbringing and social reality, it makes it easier to communicate as it shows all parties the role, they play in determining whether the message will be effective or not. Communication that appeals to the child ego is therefore likely to yield the expected result once the message is received.
The adult ego represents the period in a person’s development when the individual develops the ability to perceive and develop a better understanding of things or experiences that differ from what the individual sees or experiences (Lapworth & Sills, 2011). The individual utilizes the parent and child ego and then uses the adult ego to better understand information sourced from all the three egos. The stage can create a better understanding of Interactive communication which mostly focuses on how individuals use new forms of media and communication such as the internet (Mulder, 2018). At this stage, people utilize different avenues to gain a better understanding of their environment and what influences the interaction and communication. Since the information is collected by both the parent, child and adult ego, a better understanding of all the elements involved can help to make communication more effective.
References
Bergman, M., Kirtiklis, K., & Siebers, J. I. (2020). Models of communication: Theoretical and philosophical approaches. New York, NY: Routledge
Lapworth, P., & Sills, C., (2011). An introduction to transactional analysis. Los Angeles: Sage Publications
Mulder P, (2018) “Laswell Communication Model” retrieved from, https://www.toolshero.com/communication-skills/lasswell-communication-model/
