communicate effectively.
This theme appeared across all relationships except for the interactions with “friend.” It
appeared more often in the interactions with “strangers” (7) and “old people” (6) than in the interactions
with “acquaintances” (3), “boy/girl friend” (2), and “best friend” (1). Sex differences were not observed in
this theme.
Adapting messages was not one of the initial assumptions about effective communication in the United
States. The emergence of the theme, however, seems to be explained by the dimension of
appropriateness in the relational competence approach (Spitzberg & Cupach, 1984). Spitzberg and
Cupach (1984) argue that appropriateness is important to communicate competently. Adapting
messages is one way to communicate appropriately in interactions. Duran (1983, 1992) also links
communicative adaptability to communicative competence. Parks (1994) argues that "adaptation is so
fundamental that it is often almost as a synonym for competence" (p. 594).
Effective Communication in Japan
Nine themes were isolated for effective communication in Japan: (1) compatibility (47 responses,
21.17% of total responses), (2) appropriateness (40 responses, 18.02 %), (3) relations between
communicators (39 responses, 17.57%), (4) positive outcomes (32 responses, 14.41%), (5) smoothness
of communication (17 responses, 7.66%), (6) displaying positive behaviors (15 responses, 6.76%), (7)
understanding (14 responses, 6.31%), (8) positive nonverbal communication (12 responses, 5.41%), and
(9) clear messages (6 responses, 2.70%).
3
Compatibility involves a positive atmosphere, openness to
communicate, and getting along with each other. Appropriateness involves choice of topic, language,
and manner. Relations between communicators involves getting to know the other party, adapting to the
other party, maintaining harmony, and impression management. Positive outcomes refer to gaining or
achieving desirable outcomes through communication. Smoothness of communication includes a lot of
communication and continuous flow of communication. Displaying positive behaviors involve displaying
positive attitudes and positive listening. Understanding includes one party understands the other party
and both parties understand each other. Positive nonverbal communication includes eye contact, positive
Convention