Interpersonal communication: functions, types and types

Interpersonal communication is a speech form of communication that performs several functions:

• Information-communicative, that is, it implies the presence of data exchange between partners;
• Regulative-communicative, as the development of rules and norms of behavior;
• Affective-communicative, because it is capable of creating psychological detente.

The following types of interpersonal communication are distinguished.

Firstly, it is formal, when there is no desire to understand and take into account the personality of one's interlocutor. And the usual "masks" of rigor, politeness, indifference, modesty, compassion, etc. are observed, as well as a standard set of gestures, phrases, facial expressions. This will hide real emotions and attitude towards your interlocutor.

Secondly, primitive interpersonal communication. With this type of assessment of the other is carried out from the point of view of necessity or uselessness. If they are interested in a communication partner, they actively contact him, otherwise they are repelled or avoided.

Third, functional-role interpersonal communication, which relies on the social status of partners (subordinate-boss, student-teacher, buyer-seller). In this type of "working" rigid expectations and norms, the means and content of communication are regulated. Consequently, the interlocutor himself is in the social role in the background.

Fourth, business communication implies that it is necessary to take into account the personality, age, character and mood of the interlocutor. The interests of business will always come to the fore, on the second - possible divergences in views and opinions. There is a goal, it is aimed at achieving any substantive agreement.

Fifth, spiritual interpersonal communication. This communication is carried out between close people and provides for conversation on any topic. Partners will be able to understand each other in terms of movements, facial expression and intonation. Such interpersonal communication is possible, if the interlocutors know each other well.

Sixthly, the secular type of communication must meet the norms accepted in the given society. In the process of communication, people, as a rule, will not speak what they think, but what is needed in this or that situation. The secular type of communication is characterized by the nature of closedness and the presence of a special code: tact, politeness, consent, approval, sympathy.

Seventh, manipulative interpersonal communication is aimed at getting benefits from the interlocutor. A partner who has similar goals will be able to use a variety of techniques - flattery, demonstration of kindness, intimidation, blackmail, deception.

In social psychology, the following types of interpersonal communication are distinguished:

• imperative;
• manipulation;
• dialog.

Imperative interpersonal communication is an authoritarian, directive form of influence on one's partner in order to control his behavior and force him into concrete actions. The peculiarity of communication is that this goal is not spontaneous. To achieve it, use instructions, orders, requirements and regulations.

Manipulation is a common form of interpersonal communication, which involves influencing the interlocutor to achieve latent intent and goals. But they hide from the partner, or they are replaced by others.

Dialogue communication allows you to take into account the settings, as well as the opinion of the interlocutor. It is built on the basis of certain rules of interaction. It's about the psychological attitude to communication; Non-price perception of the partner as an equal, having the right to opinion and decision; Presence of personification of communication.