Expectancy violations theory
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This theory deals with the expectations people hold regarding communication standards and norms. Violations of these expectations can either be perceived as positive or negative depending on the interpretation of the violation and the level of liking between the two individuals. A main idea of the theory is that we, as individuals, have expectations about interaction with others. These expectations include many things such as physical proximity, speech rate, volume, eye contact and touching. Normally, we are not aware of these expectations until they are violated. These expectations form the focus of the theory. (Miller, 2005)
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[edit] Theoretical Tenets
There are three main points made by the author of the theory in regards to expectations or expectancies. The first says that expectations deal with the actual behavior of the individuals within the interaction. Secondly, these expectations can be the result of things we learn through society that are what we would consider “normal behavior” or they can be the result of norms that develop over time in a particular relationship (i.e., a married couple, a parent and child, teacher and student, etc.). Lastly, these expectations are not absolute. In many instances, there is a range of acceptable behaviors in reference to a certain action.
The second half of the theory involves violations. When a behavior is perceived as out of the range of acceptable actions, a violation occurs. According to this theory, the result of this violation is known as an arousal. When the participant is aroused in this manner, his or her attention diverts from the original purpose of the interaction to the unexpected behavior. “The impact of the violation will depend on two factors; the evaluation of the violation itself and your assessment of the person who committed the violation.” (Miller, 2005)
[edit] History
This theory was first introduced in 1976 by Judee Burgoon and at the time was a theory on non-verbal behavior. It has since been expanded to include behaviors other than non-verbal. It is considered a theory of communication processes, and more specifically a theory of discourse and interaction. Recently, the theory has undergone some reconstitution by Burgoon and her colleagues and has resulted in a new theory known Interaction Adaptation Theory, which is a more comprehensive explanation of adaptation in interpersonal interaction. (Miller, 2005)
[edit] Theory Application
Expectancy Violation Theory is applicable for many different areas. Below are just a few noteworthy contexts.
Cultural Communication
Different cultures have differing norms regarding acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. What could be considered a gesture of affection in one culture could be seen as offensive and inappropriate in another. It is for this reason that Expectancy Violation Theory applies in this area. Distinct cultural expectations and the possible impact of violations must be taken into consideration when evaluating cross-cultural communication. (Burgoon and Hale, 1988)
Interpersonal/Emotional Communication
Communication between individuals in various interpersonal relationships will display examples of Expectancy Violation Theory. “Interactants have strong expectations about the circumstances under which emotions can and should be exhibited.” Sometimes, it is the degree of the action that is regulated rather than the expression itself. (Burgoon, 1993)
Organizational Communication
Businesses and organizations typically have certain rules and regulations regarding its operational functions. When these rules or “expectancies” are violated, the impact can be seen amongst members of the group with varying degrees of severity depending on the factors mentioned above regarding violations.
[edit] Criticism of the Theory
Most interaction between individuals is extremely complex and there are many contingency conditions which to consider within the theory. This makes the prediction of behavioral outcomes of a particular situation virtually impossible. This is a critique that has been raised in the case of Expectancy Violation Theory. (Miller, 2005)
[edit] Citations
Burgoon, Judee. (1993). Interpersonal Expectations, Expectancy Violations, and Emotional Communication. Journal of Language and Social Psychology. Vol. 12 (1&2). 30-48.
Burgoon, Judee & Hale, Jerold. (1988). Nonverbal Expectancy Violations: Model Elaboration and Application To Immediacy Behaviors. Communication Monographs. Vol. 55, 58-79.
Miller, Katherine. (2005). Communication Theories: Perspectives, Processes, and
Contexts. New York: McGraw-Hill.
