110 Part 1 Basic Communication Processes
Your personal space needs may vary from the forgoing space categories. These
vary according to culture too; Hall “normed” these zones for different cultures
around the world. How close or distant you want to be from someone depends on
whom you’re dealing with, the situation, and your comfort level. You might enjoy
being physically close to your boyfriend or girlfriend while taking a walk together,
but you probably don’t hold hands or embrace during class. Gender also plays a role.
Research says that groups of men walking together will walk faster and typically
leave more space between themselves and others than women will (Costa, 2010).
But regardless of your personal preferences, violations of space are almost always
uncomfortable and awkward and can cause relational problems (Burgoon, 1978).
Proxemic messages are not limited to the real world. In the online virtual world
Second Life, you create your own space in which you and your avatar move. Avatars
use proxemic cues to send relational messages and structure interaction, much as people
do in real life (Antonijevic, 2008; Gillath, McCall, Shaver, & Blascovich, 2008).Territoriality
Closely related to proxemics is territoriality—the claiming of an area, with or
without legal basis, through continuous occupation of that area. Your home,
your car, and your office are personal territories. But territories also encompassTHINK
ABOUT
THIS❶ Why might Dave have
failed to consider the pro-
fessional context of the
interview? Could his own
professional experience as
a freelancer have changed
his definition of “profes-
sional attire”?
❷ If you could rewind the
situation and start over,
would you offer Dave more
clear directions on how
to dress or would you not
recommend him at all?
❸ Knowing what you
know about Dave’s skills
and education—and know-
ing that he would adapt
his behavior as directed—
would you hire Dave? Or is
his failure to figure out what
was appropriate ahead of
time a deal breaker?The Job Killer Tat
You’re a few years out of college, working at a public policy think tank that
specializes in childhood education research. It’s a great position with lots of
room for advancement and the ability to be active in an area that really inter-
ests you. What’s more, the organization is growing rapidly and looking to fill
new positions. When your manager mentions that they’re seeking someone
who can work with policymakers in the state capitol, and asks if you know
anyone, you immediately think of your friend Dave. This position is essentially
Dave’s dream job, and he’s more than qualified, having dual majors in early
childhood education and communication and having worked freelance as a
grant writer for nonprofit organizations. You pass Dave’s résumé on to your
manager and wish your buddy good luck.
When Dave shows up at your office for an interview, you are astonished.
He has forgone a traditional suit and tie and is wearing a short-sleeved col-
lared shirt that reveals the full arm sleeve of tattoos that he has been cultivat-
ing since he was about sixteen years old. You had mentioned to Dave that
the office environment is very professional and that the position would require
him to interact with lobbyists, lawyers, and lawmakers on a regular basis. You
know that your boss will not think well of his decision not to cover up his tat-
toos—or even attempt to find a suit. You’re worried that your boss will think
you’ve wasted his time with a candidate who is less than serious and you’re
angry at Dave for possibly insulting your organization’s sensibilities (and for
possibly making you look like a fool for recommending him). What do you do?EVALUATINGCOMMUNICATIONETHICS