Expectancy violations theory Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Expectancy violations theory - Research Paper Example In the context of communication, different theorists have developed their own opinions regarding functionality and definition of communication. Each theory is able to formulate unique viewpoints and thus making people aware about various aspects of communication. One such important theory in the field of communication is Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT) (Burgoon et al., 1989). With this concern, this research paper discusses about various aspects of EVT by taking into concern its key concept, assumptions and major components. Moreover, the purpose of the research paper is to develop a worldview perspective and also to analyze the theory on the basis of Griffin’s standards. Theory Summary EVT has been developed by Judee Burgoon which concentrates on determining the importance of nonverbal communication. This theory establishes the significance of nonverbal messages and information processing for forming effective communication. The core concept of the theory is ‘persona l space’ expectations and reaction of people who breach the concept of expectation. ‘Personal space’ can differ on the basis of cultural standards and personal preferences. At times, violating the expectations with respect to personal space is considered as an effective strategy of communication (Burgoon et al., 1989). According to EVT theory, communication is the exchange of information which is considerably high in interpersonal content and can be used to interrupt the expectations of another. The expectations are mainly based on social customs and specific individualities of communicators. Further, the violation of expectations can encourage and force the recipients for making cognitive assessment of such act (Burgoon et al., 1989). EVT model suggests that nonverbal actions of others are adjudicated as communicators by senders along with receivers having certain expectancy. Violation of these expectations can intensify the salience of thoughts regarding the co rrespondents’ behaviour. There are five core components of EVT namely expectations, violations and stimulation, ‘communicator reward valence’, behaviour analysis and violation valence. EVT model tries to forecast and clarify fatal communication outcome such as desirability and encouragement along with macro level exchange patterns. According to EVT model, expectations comprise intellectual, emotional and conative elements that basically functions in the form of social customs and known characteristics of individuals. Burgoon also perceived that expectancies are subjected towards communicators’ characteristics, relationship and context. The context of EVT theory is based on culture and setting. On the other hand, relationship is dependent on liking and social status of people (Cleland, 2010). Concerning the aspects of violation and simulation, if a communicating individual violates the expectations by a certain degree, then this might strengthen the percept ion of the person who became violated. If such violation occurs in an organisational environment, for example, between managers and subordinates, the level of violation can cause the subordinates to pursue the reason for violation of the relationship. The ‘communicator reward valence’ can be duly considered as a primary component of EVT model, wherein the valence of violations can be