Conversational constraints theory

Conversational Constraints Theory, developed in Min-Sun Kim, attempts to explain how and why certain conversational strategies differ across various <a href="/facts/Cultures/c5JgMqpX">cultures</a> and the effects of these differences. It is embedded in the Social Science communication approach which is based upon how culture influences communication. There are five universal conversational constraints: 1) clarity, 2) minimizing imposition, 3) consideration for the other's feelings, 4) risking negative evaluation by the receiver, and 5) effectiveness. These five constraints pivot on the notion of if a culture is more social relational (collectivistic cultures), or task oriented (individualistic cultures).
The social relational approach focuses on having more concern for the receiver's feelings, holding more importance upon saving face for the other person than being concise. When constructing messages, the social relational approach takes into account how their words and actions will affect the listener's feelings. The task oriented approach emphasizes concern for clarity over feelings. It places higher value on the degree to which the message is communicated explicitly in its truest form. Cultures have specific manners and behaviors that pertain to conversational style. These behaviors can be preferred by some cultures, and offensive to others. Conversational Constraints Theory seeks to explain why these certain tactics work in some cultures but not in others. It is influenced by the customs, rules, and norms of that culture.
The central focus of Conversational Constraints Theory is not necessarily what is said, but how it is said. Conversations are typically <a href="/facts/Goal-oriented/lG4kP4EF">goal-oriented</a> and require coordination between both communicators, and messages are developed built upon various constraints, personal or cultural, in order to pursue any kind of interaction. Kim discusses the need for approval, need for dominance, and gender roles to analyze conversational constraints. The more approval a <a href="/facts/Person/XD3Hhqup">person</a> needs, thus more <a href="/facts/Feminine/FoKgaGgk">feminine</a>, the more they view minimizing imposition and being concerned with the hearer's feelings as being important. The more dominant, thus more <a href="/facts/Masculine/lp3LFyK4">masculine</a>, the more they view message clarity and directness as being important.

Conversational constraints theory open-in-new

Conversational constraints theory