Example of transactional model of communication

TRANSACTIONAL MODEL OF COMMUNICATION – In this article, we are going to tackle transactional models of communication and its examples.

Whenever we talk to one another, communication is occurring. In any medium, as long as there is a sender and a receiver, there is communication. But, for the transactional model, this may slightly change.

Both the sender and the receiver are referred to as communicators in this context. Furthermore, their roles are reversed each time the communication process occurs because both the sending and receiving processes occur simultaneously.

Additionally, with this sort of communication, one of the parties could even be machines as opposed to being human. However, in this article we are going to generalize communicators as humans as the model we are about to discuss is used for interpersonal communications.

Transactional Model Concept & Example

The transactional model is a process of perpetual change and transformation in which each integral piece, such as people, their settings, and the format employed, changes. As a result, it presumes communicators to be self-sufficient and free to behave as they see fit.

Because both the sender and the receiver are required to keep the connection alive in the transactional model, the communicators are also interconnected. Transactional communication, for example, is impossible if the receiver is not listening to the sender.

The transactional model is the most general communication model. Everyday conversation and interactions are also forms of transactional model communication. It is more effective for communicators who have a comparable environment and individual characteristics.

The medium employed in the transactional model influences the efficiency and reliability of the communicated message. For example, a person may not process the same message in a similar manner when it is sent over the phone compared to when it is face to face. It is due to a probable message loss on a phone conversation or a lack of gestures.

The transactional model of communication is a type of communication that considers all the contextual influences associated with an interaction. It incorporates the conceptualization of communication along with the role of context, sender, and receiver. This contextual dependency differentiates the transactional model of communication from linear (transmission) and interaction models of communication.

The transactional model of communication is a model of communication in which both the sender and receiver take turns to express their thoughts, and they are commonly understood as communicators. The transactional model of communication is widely used as it gives both the sender and receiver a chance to converse and express themselves as per social, cultural, and relational contexts.

What is Transactional Model of communication?

Definition: The transactional model of communication is defined as a two-way communication process in which senders and receivers keep on interchanging their positions as communicators to not just exchange messages but also to construct their social realities within physical, psychological, social, relational, and cultural contexts.

The sender and receiver’s role in this type of communication differs significantly from the other models, as instead of being labeled as senders or receivers, participants of the transaction model of communication are called communicators. All communicators get involved in encoding and decoding in the transactional process of communication.

Importance of Transaction Model of Communication

The transaction model of communication is the communication model in which both the sender and receiver play an equally important role. The audience appreciates it as both parties are involved.

In this model, communicators do not just communicate for exchanging messages or information, instead. they communicate for-

1. Creating relationships
2. Shaping our self-concepts
3. Forming intercultural alliances
4. Engaging with others in dialogue

This model is effective because it offers a more complete understanding of a context associated with relational, social, or cultural identities. It is appreciated because it gives a chance to both parties. It allows the people to relax and have effective communication by giving them adequate time to relax.

A fine example of transactional communication is the communication between two people over a telephonic call. Two people are involved, and it gives them ample time to think and relax. This communication is engaging as it involves a continuous exchange of thoughts. When both the sender and receiver are heard, it gives a positive vibe. It is the usual form of communication as it can’t happen if any of them is absent. It involves the feedback of both the user and the receiver.

This form of communication is highly interactive and is the right way to converse. Both the sender and receiver get equal importance—for example, the people who know each other converse well by following this model of communication. A healthy debate between two individuals also follows this model of communication.

Characteristics of Transaction Model

It is the most dynamic communication model in which communicators simultaneously send as well as receive messages by understanding the associated contexts.

1. Transactional means communication happens every time. It is not one-way communication. It has specific requirements, changes, and collaboration. It is dynamic and keeps on changing continuously. It also keeps evolving.
2. It is dependent. It depends on every component of the conversation. Each component is unique and depends on another component for getting understood. For example, a sender depends on the receiver to understand his thoughts, and without the receiver, the sender cannot prove his point.
3. The reaction of an individual can be different. An individual may not react in the same way as expected because of the culture, traditions, and ethnic differences. A message can be interpreted in different ways and meanings owing to differences in thinking.

Contexts of transactional communication

There are three contexts of transactional communication-

1. Social Context

Due to the different cultures and ethics involved, social changes need to be accepted. As different cultures are mixed, the social norms can make the conversation a little challenging.

2. Relational context

The relational context refers to the context of different norms and values attached to the conversation.

People feel free to converse with the people with whom they are familiar. A healthy conversation occurs with people who are comfortable with each other.

3. Cultural context

Cultural context refers to the cultural aspect of the conversation. With the mixing of different cultures, there are a variety of cultures, traditions, and ethics involved. Every culture has to be given equal importance as every tradition and culture is unique.

Interaction vs Linear vs Transaction Communication Models

1. Interaction Model of Communication

It considers the communication process as a two-way process of interaction that lets senders and receivers alternate their positions while sending messages and receiving feedback in physical and psychological contexts. This form of communication model is more interaction focussed and lesser message-focused.

2. Linear or Transmission model of communication

The linear or transmission model of communication is a communication model which is one way. It’s a one-way channel of communication in which only one person speaks or represents their thoughts. It is non-interactive because two-way communication is not involved—for example, sending a message, memo, television broadcast, or a speech in public.

3. Transactional model of communication

It is an interactive way of communication in which both participants are mentioned as communicators, and not separately as sender or receiver. It is two-way communication in which both parties are given equal attention, and the co-creation of meaning is done in multiple contexts like cultural, social, relational, physical, and psychological contexts. Transactional communication is real-time communication as it requires two people to be present in person. For example, skype calls debates, and video conferencing.

Difference between the transactional and linear model of communication

1. Usage

Transactional communication is used for two people, whereas the linear communication model is used for the masses.

2. Noise

Noise is involved in transactional communication, whereas it doesn’t happen in the linear model of communication

3. Verbal Communication

Verbal communication is not transactional communication, whereas linear communication involves verbal communication

Factors affecting the Transactional Model

This communication requires two-way communication. For effective communication, two people need to converse and present their thoughts effectively. Proper time and schedule need to be followed. For effective communication, the background should be noise-free. Background noise can be any noise that is physical, physiological, or psychosomatic.

It involves various intercultural groups for discussion. When many people converse, the message can be interpreted in different ways because people have other cultural ethics, traditions, knowledge, and cultural values.

The entire intercultural system has specific conditions. Due to different cultural values, the conversation is overpowered by artistic versatility, emotional, physiological aspects, and social and environmental factors.

Criticism of Transactional Communication

Like every communication model has its pros and cons, here are a few demerits of transactional communication-

1. Misunderstandings

It cannot be said true for the transactional model of communication that it is easy for people to understand each other’s thoughts and views. The transactional model of communication requires two-way communication, and sometimes it can lead to misunderstandings.

The message can be misunderstood due to misinterpretation. As every person’s thoughts differ due to different cultures, traditions, and ethics, a message can be interpreted in many ways.

2. Noises

There should be proper occasion and space for the conversation. A conversation can be interrupted due to unnecessary noises. Unnecessary noise can be in the form of physical, psychological, and psychosomatic.

Examples of transactional model of communication

1. Suppose a patient is there at a clinic. A doctor comes and treats him. A nurse comes to check him and treats him well. Here the nurse and the patient form a relationship. Both of them need to be understandable and maintain two-way communication. The nurse needs to understand the patient’s anxiety, and the patient needs to trust her with the procedures.

2. A teacher and a student also follow the transactional model of communication. A teacher listens to his students and lets them give their views. They may not agree on the same issue, but they try to find a midway to their issue.

Conclusion!

The transactional model of communication is a continuous process, and it is ever-changing and evolving in nature. It is a codependent model of communication.

One can’t just converse and don’t let the other person say a word. It is relative. It keeps on growing as the exchange of thoughts between the parties is changing beyond established norms and rules.

Different ethics, cultures bring freshness to the content and thoughts. Thoughts can be misunderstood due to background noise or different understanding of a context, but it is still considered an effective way of communication.

This model of communication gives importance to each culture and tradition and is considered to be the best among people. Use this model to have effective communication to develop a constructive type of relationship.

What do you think about the role of transactional communication in the contemporary business world? Share your opinion with us in the comment section below.

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