Saturday, October 6, 2012
Week 7- Chapter Concept
In Chapter 5, the concept of how furniture arrangement can effect communication caught my attention. In this section, it entails how seating placements of chairs on a table can elaborate whether two people will end up cooperating, competing, or working independently. The closer the chairs are, the more likely people will talk to each other, versus if they are spread out or separated, defines competition. Through experience, I can relate that seating arrangements do greatly effect how my communication is directed towards another individual. For example, when I went into an interview, I sat across the authoritative person, and took direction, answered questions, and the tension grew between us like the barrier (table). On the other hand, when I went in for a "walk through" interview, I sat next to the authoritative person and felt less tension and more at ease because the seating wasn't as nerve racking. Dominance and power also tie into seating arrangements, just look at the way college classrooms, debates, and theaters are set up. The audience or group of students are suppose to face the professor, politician, or show and focus their attention on the most important person(s). I already acknowledged that seating arrangements effected communication, but the Figure 5.1 on page 121, really outlined the meaning on how crucial seating can be used or interpreted.
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I had never given much thought to how furniture arrangement would affect communication prior to reading this chapter. I find it interesting how much of an effect it has on the conversation. It’s not just how inviting or uninviting the space is but also can have a profound effect on the attitudes and judgments on others within a group. It reminds me of sitting in a panel interview where you enter a room and are situated on the opposite side of a table from multiple other managers. I don’t think anyone is necessarily comfortable in that kind of situation to begin with but it also seems that is situated that way on purpose to figure out how well the interviewee can handle stressful situations.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the furniture setting section. I am definitely going to take advantage of the seating arrangements and its meanings. Like you, I was also in a similar situation, and I agree it is much easier to talk to someone who is not sitting across from you. I started wondering how come, and now pondering, is it because that person sitting next to me cannot see my expressions 100%. I think that fact gave me a chance to control what I felt. I’m also remembering, my interviewer was not looking at me directly the whole time, which meant she was not able to pick up my nervousness. Knowing this fact actually boosted my confidence.
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