Perspectives on Social Interaction and Communication

Introduction

This course provides an in-depth exploration of foundational theories in communication research, covering key areas such as interpersonal, conflict and crisis communication, corporate communication, and public relations. Through an interdisciplinary lens, we critically examine the role of social dynamics—such as social capital, norms, and networks—on individual and team performance, wellbeing, and behavior. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these dynamics influence communication processes and outcomes in organizational and societal contexts.

This course covers the core theories in communication science to understand how social circumstances in communication influence both actors and perceivers, and sheds light on the interdisciplinary foundations of these processes. We will discuss connections between theoretical concepts in communication, economics, and psychology, and discuss contradictory findings resulting from these different perspectives. The focus will be on empirical research and its practical implications for design and management of communication research.

Moreover, the course will train a range of communicative skills that are essential for (early career) researchers, building expertise in critical communication skills such as deep listening, motivational interviewing, and perspective-taking. Students will also develop competencies in designing research strategies and assessing the validity of communication measures.

Key topics include conflict resolution, strategic and science communication, the complexities of defining constructs in interdisciplinary research, and the influence of social processes on human behavior. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to craft tailored messages for various media channels and audiences, evaluate published research critically, and navigate the complexities of digital, sustainable, and crisis-driven communication environments. The course integrates different methods of influence within the 'cycle of normativity and common sense,' which involves normalizing, assimilating, and accommodating social diversity

Course content

The course takes place in a concentrated format, ideally scheduled in the timespan of two weeks.

It includes 6 sessions and individual feedback (36 teaching hours). Compulsory readings are listed for each session.

Session 1: Foundational theories in communication

Focus: Theoretical review (mutual learning, inclusion in communication, diverse perspectives, brainstorming techniques, voice)

• Culture and communication
• Knowledge sharing, employee voice/diversity and communication
• Perspective taking
• Communication as a tool to bring out the best in teams
• Theorizing in communication science, interdisciplinary and conflicting perspectives. Navigating interdisciplinarity
• Writing proper definitions

Session 2: Inquiry and the social relations model of listening, measurement

Focus: Inquiry, listening, measurement of communication in research

• Social relations model of listening, perspectives from communication science, psychology,
• Inquiry and perspective taking
• Incivility in online and offline communication
• Constructive communication and conflict resolution
• Motivational interviewing
• Transcription tools, apps for real-time coding
• Time effects in communication
• Survey research

Session 3a: Rhetoric and speech

Focus: Rhetoric and speech techniques, designing measurement scales

• Aristotle (ethos, logos, pathos)
• Persuasion techniques
• Framing and narrative
• Crisis communication, types of crises, responses

Session 3b: Measurement and validity

• Designing measurement scales
• Construct validity
• Designing scales consisting of items that are distinctive and relevant
• Discriminant validity
• Conducting CFAs

Session 4: Stakeholder theory and legitimacy

Focus: PR and reputation management, legitimacy concerns, CSR and SDG reporting

• Intro to PR research
• Reputation management
• Stakeholder communication/Strategic communication
• Legitimacy
• Communication of CSR/SDG goals for organizations – authenticity vs greenwashing
• Measurement in PR research, capturing dynamic constructs

Session 5: Biases, negotiation and persuasion

Focus: Biases and persuasion

• cognitive biases
• bargaining power: distributive vs integrative
• negotiation tactics
• negotiation styles/behaviors
• Conflict management and resolution

Session 6: Mass communication and science rejection

Focus: misinformation, conspiracies, and the need for truth

• ­Misinformation, crowd management
• Management of mass beliefs – disinformation, conspiracy theories
• Science acceptance and rejection
• Precise definitions and introducing new concepts in a complex literature
• Framing and publishing new scales and measures