General Theorists

Question 1

Koester

Answer 1

Koester argues that the workplace is varied and that, within conversations, we can divide interactions into ‘transactional’ and ‘interactional’.

• Transactional conversations are all about making a transaction (i.e. getting something done).
• Interactional conversations are all about serving a social purpose.

Question 2

Herbert and Straight’s research compliments

Answer 2

• Herbert and Straight’s research detailed that in conversations, compliments are paid, but the compliments move down the hierarchy.
  
  • For example, your boss is more likely to pay you a compliment than you are to pay them a compliment.
• In this sense also, Hornyak believes that conversations are initiated by those who have the most power.

Question 3

Heritage

Answer 3

• Heritage argues that a turn-taking structure comes to play in a transactional conversation.
• In this structure, the person with the most power asks the most questions.