Dynamic behaviour refers to the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of the real world, where actions and events can have unexpected effects. It emphasizes the need for a theory of perception and action, as well as a theory of cognition, to effectively navigate and respond to changes in the environment.

Behaviour Dynamics refers to the study of how individuals or groups behave and the factors that influence these behaviours over time. It examines the interplay between internal psychological processes, external social influences, and environmental factors that shape actions and reactions.

Interpersonal Behaviour

Interpersonal Behaviour refers to how individuals interact with one another in social or relational contexts. It encompasses verbal and non-verbal communication, emotional exchanges, conflict management, and the formation and maintenance of relationships.

• Applications of Interpersonal Behaviour:

• Theories Related to Interpersonal Behaviour:

 Communication

Communication is a two-way process which involves transferring of information or messages from one person or group to another. This process goes on and includes a minimum of one sender and receiver to pass on the messages. These messages can either be any ideas, imagination, emotions, or thoughts. It plays a fundamental role in all human interactions, enabling the sharing of knowledge, building relationships, and facilitating decision-making.

• Types of Communication

Communication can be broadly categorized into several types based on the mode, purpose, and context.

1. Based on Mode:

• Verbal Communication: Spoken or written words. Examples: Conversations, speeches, emails, reports.
• Non-Verbal Communication: Body language, facial expressions, gestures, posture, and tone of voice. Examples: Smiling to indicate approval, crossed arms indicating defensiveness.

2. Based on Context:

• Formal Communication: Follows defined protocols or official channels. Examples: Business letters, presentations, memos.
• Informal Communication: Casual and spontaneous exchanges. Examples: Friendly chats, informal emails.

3. Based on Medium:

• Face-to-Face Communication: Direct interactions in person. Examples: Interviews, discussions.
• Digital Communication: Using electronic devices or platforms. Examples: Emails, video calls, social media.
• Written Communication: Communication through text. Examples: Letters, articles, documents.

Importance of Communication

• Facilitates trust, understanding, and emotional connection between individuals or groups.
• Ensures knowledge is conveyed for informed decision-making and action.
• Promotes teamwork by aligning goals and coordinating efforts.
• Helps clarify misunderstandings, negotiate solutions, and foster mutual respect.
• Motivate, Encourages and inspires individuals to take action or embrace change.
• Allows for the articulation of feelings, ideas, and innovations.
• Enhancing Organizational Efficiency, streamlines operations by ensuring clear instructions and feedback loops.
• Bridges differences, fostering inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding.

 7 Cs of Communication

The 7 Cs of Communication are principles that help ensure effective and impactful communication. They are essential for clarity and mutual understanding.

• The Process of Communication

The communication process involves several essential elements and stages:

1. Sender (Communicator): The person or entity initiating the message. Responsible for encoding the idea into a form that can be transmitted.
2. Message: The information, idea, or thought being communicated. Can be verbal (spoken or written) or non-verbal (gestures, tone, expressions).
3. Encoding: Converting the idea into a format suitable for communication (e.g., words, symbols, visuals).
4. Medium/Channel: The method or pathway through which the message is transmitted (e.g., speech, email, phone, gestures).
5. Receiver: The individual or group for whom the message is intended. Responsible for decoding the message.
6. Decoding: Interpreting and understanding the message. Influenced by the receiver’s knowledge, experiences, and context.
7. Feedback: Last step of communication process. The receiver’s response to the message. Ensures the sender knows whether the message was understood.
8. Noise: Any barrier or interference that affects the clarity or effectiveness of communication (e.g., physical noise, misunderstandings, language differences).

Transactional Analysis

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a psychological theory developed by Eric Berne in the 1950s that explores human behaviour, communication, and relationships. It provides a framework for understanding interactions (or “transactions”) between individuals based on their psychological states, helping improve communication and resolve conflicts effectively.

• Ego States

• Life Positions

These are basic beliefs about oneself and others, often influencing interactions

You Are O.K.

 You Are Not O.K.

The Johari Window Model

Open/self-area or arena – Here the information about the person his attitudes, behaviour, emotions, feelings, skills and views will be known by the person as well as by others. This is mainly the area where all the communications occur and the larger the arena becomes the more effectual and dynamic the relationship will be. 

Blind self or blind spot – Information about yourselves that others know in a group but you will be unaware of it. Others may interpret yourselves differently than you expect. The blind spot is reduced for an efficient communication through seeking feedback from others.

Hidden area or façade – Information that is known to you but will be kept unknown from others. This can be any personal information which you feel reluctant to reveal. This includes feelings, past experiences, fears, secrets etc. we keep some of our feelings and information as private as it affects the relationships and thus the hidden area must be reduced by moving the information to the open areas.

Unknown area – The Information which are unaware to yourselves as well as others. This includes the information, feelings, capabilities, talents etc. This can be due to traumatic past experiences or events which can be unknown for a lifetime. The person will be unaware till he discovers his hidden qualities and capabilities or through observation of others. Open communication is also an effective way to decrease the unknown area and thus to communicate effectively.

Leadership

Leadership is the process of influencing, motivating, and guiding individuals or groups to achieve common goals. A leader sets the vision, inspires action, and provides direction to foster collaboration and drive success.

• Leadership Styles

1. Democratic Leadership

A democratic leadership style is where a leader makes decisions based on the input received from team members. It is a collaborative and consultative leadership style where each team member has an opportunity to contribute to the direction of ongoing projects. However, the leader holds the final responsibility to make the decision.

2. Autocratic Leadership

Autocratic leadership is the direct opposite of democratic leadership. In this case, the leader makes all decisions on behalf of the team without taking any input or suggestions from them. The leader holds all authority and responsibility. They have absolute power and dictate all tasks to be undertaken. There is no consultation with employees before a decision is made. After the decision is made, everyone is expected to support the decision made by the leader.

3. Laissez-Faire Leadership

Laissez-faire leadership is accurately defined as a hands-off or passive approach to leadership. Instead, leaders provide their team members with the necessary tools, information, and resources to carry out their work tasks. The “let them be” style of leadership entails that a leader steps back and lets team members work without supervision and free to plan, organize, make decisions, tackle problems, and complete the assigned projects.

4. Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership is all about transforming the business or groups by inspiring team members to keep increasing their bar and achieve what they never thought they were capable of. Transformational leaders expect the best out of their team and push them consistently until their work, lives, and businesses go through a transformation or considerable improvement.

5. Transactional Leadership

Transactional leadership is more short-term and can best be described as a “give and take” kind of transaction. Team members agree to follow their leader on job acceptance; therefore, it’s a transaction involving payment for services rendered. Employees are rewarded for exactly the work they would’ve performed. If you meet a certain target, you receive the bonus that you’ve been promised. It is especially so in sales and marketing jobs.

6. Bureaucratic Leadership

Bureaucratic leadership is a “go by the book” type of leadership. Processes and regulations are followed according to policy with no room for flexibility. Rules are set on how work should be done, and bureaucratic leaders ensure that team members follow these procedures meticulously. Input from employees is considered by the leader; however, it is rejected if it does not conform to organizational policy. New ideas flow in a trickle, and a lot of red tape is present. 

7. Servant Leadership

Servant leadership involves a leader being a servant to the team first before being a leader. A servant leader strives to serve the needs of their team above their own. It is also a form of leading by example. Servant leaders try to find ways to develop, elevate and inspire people following their lead to achieve the best results.

8. Charismatic Leadership

Charismatic leadership employs charisma to motivate and inspire followers. Leaders use eloquent communication skills to unite a team towards a shared vision. However, due to the charismatic leaders’ overwhelming disposition, they can see themselves as bigger than the team and lose track of the important tasks.

Leadership Theories