Workplace Communication (Passive, Aggressive and Assertive)

Well-being and Relating at Work

Effective communication in the workplace is more then being 'friendly' to your colleagues and sucking up to the boss :)

It heavily relies on the understanding of behavioural patterns in regards to emotional and rational aspects. I'm not going to delve deep into the sociology or psychology ideas or theories, I merely want to scrape the surface of communications within a organisation and help your understanding. 

So, let's start with a question.
 

Q)  "Have you heard of passive and aggressive responses?"

 Most likely, you have heard these key terms used before. They are 2 of the 3 types of behavioral  models used in conflict and communication.   Personally I believe both to be flawed in achieving  successful communication- and instead, I encourage the assertive (3rd) response. My understanding of each model is shown below;

Assertive: 

Express what you think and feel in a positive way. (Create mutual respect) 

Passive: 

Avoiding, giving in, not expressing your feelings. (This disrespects you)

Aggressive: 

Puts down, verbal or physical violence. (This disrespects others)

Let's Apply the Models

Often, people can fall into the trap of becoming too defensive of their beliefs and becoming aggressive. According to Tyler, S Kossen, C & Ryan, C (2005), Aggressive behaviour is when the individual is, ‘Putting ones rights, needs and desires above those of others.’ This form of behaviour is a poor strategy which will usually provoke, prolong or worsen the situation. 

On the other hand, non-assertiveness or a passive behaviour involves letting the desires of others overshadow your own. This reflects on an attitude of inadequacy and inferiority. This type of behaviour usually leads to a conflict or problem to be avoided and left to grow worse. We must properly access each situation we encounter and know when to be flexible in our choice of

The assertive behavour model can serve as a strategic asset to  manage emotional response and well-being in an emotionally demanding workplace. Assertive behaviour is a theory which offers ways to best deal with others in a fair way, but at the same time defends your own values. In organisations it is necessary that we learn to deal with people in a professional and emotionally responsible and beneficial way.  

Overall, adopting an assertive behaviour involves a great deal of mental choices aimed at directly empowering an assertive behaviour. However, despite the deliberate choice of acting in an appropriate way in the workplace, the assertive behaviour theory is a positive method to help manage our working communication environments.

Sarah

List of References

Tyler, S Kossen, C & Ryan, C 2005, Communication: a foundation course, edn 2, Pearson Education, Frenchs Forest, NSW.