Communication, Culture, and Organizing

One way to understand communication is to view it as a people process rather than a language process. If one is to make it fundamental improvement in communication, one must make changes in interpersonal relationships. Defensive behavior is defined as that behavior which occurs when an individual perceives threat or anticipates threat in the group. The person who behaves defensively, even though he or she also gives some attention to the common task, devotes an appreciable portion of energy to defending himself or herself.

The behavior characteristic of supportive and defensive climates.

Defensive climates: evaluation, control, strategy, neutrality, superiority, and certainty.

Supportive climates: description, problem orientation, spontaneity, empathy, equality, and provisionalism.