Skip to main content

Table 1 Communication paradigms [1]

From: Hiding in plain sight: communication theory in implementation science

Communication as an information exchange

Communication as an interpersonal process

Definition: the process by which information is exchanged between individuals or computers through the use of a commonly accepted set of symbols.

Definition: a process of developing shared understanding by establishing, testing, and maintaining relationships.

Transactional—focus is on transfer of information

Transformational—focus is on changes as a result of communication

Improvement in communication occurs through standardization of information

Improvement in communication occurs through interpersonal relationships

Environment does not play a central role in communication

Organizational complexity (i.e., environment) is one of three dimensions (along with social context and cognitive load) recognized as influencing communication