Structured communication

Structured communication is a term used across a variety of disciplines to describe frameworks for interaction between individuals or machines. Although these frameworks are primarily designed to reduce ambiguity, increased efficiency is often cited as a secondary benefit. The concept has existed since at least 1971, when it was demonstrated to be an effective method of conflict resolution for married couples.[1]

Examples

A structured communication program was initiated amongst healthcare workers in British Columbia, Canada following an agreement between employees and employers in 2006.[2] A 2007 study researched the application of structured communication to End-Point Projection theory, which could allow for the development of web services that are able to adapt to unknown channels and/or participants.[3] At least one company has suggested that research tools such as surveys, polls, and quizzes are a form of structured communication as well.[4]

Limitations

Student teaching is one area in which structured communication was shown to be detrimental, as student teachers using structured communication were less efficacious than those who did not.[5] This could be because structured communication is designed to place limits on some aspect of communication, such as questions, answers, participants, or channels, in order to guide communication to a desired outcome. These limitations could limit knowledge transfer in a teaching environment.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Wells, R.A.; Figurel, J.A. (1979). "Techniques of Structured Communication Training". The Family Coordinator. JSTOR.
  2. ↑ "Let's Talk: A Guide for Collaborative Structured Communication". B.C. Ministry of Health Reports and Publications. Retrieved 26 December 2011.
  3. ↑ Carbone, M; Honda, K. & Yoshida, N. (2007). "Structured Communication-Centred Programming for Web Services". Lecture Notes in Computer Science. SpringerLink.
  4. ↑ Leath, Bill. "Redefining Surveys with Structured Communication". Retrieved 26 December 2011.
  5. ↑ Edgar, D.W.; Roberts, T.G. & Murphy, T.H. (September 2007). Structured Communication: Effects on Teaching Efficacy of Student Teachers. AAAE North Central Region Conference.

External links