5.2.3 Self disclosure
Activity 5e
Read Reading 5.1 and 'The Johari Window' on pages 110-111 of the textbook.
Eunson, B. 1994, 'Finding out about ourselves and others: The Johari window', in Communicating for Team Building , John Wylie & Sons, Brisbane, pp.69-74.
When developing a relationship people tend to try to reduce uncertainty about each other and the relationship through, for example:
- social rituals which are recognisable patterns of behaviours that help us know how to behave and what to expect from others in specific contexts, for example, hand shaking;
- interpersonal attraction: that is, only associating with those who are like you or who you think you will like; and
- superficial self-disclosure, where each party provides superficial information about themselves such as where they work and their position.
In order for the relationship to develop self-disclosure needs to increase to allow for an open and meaningful relationship.
Activity 5f
- Based on your knowledge of the Johari window and your reading of self-disclosure in the textbook, provide the advantages and disadvantages of self-disclosure.
- How would you encourage self-disclosure in the workplace?
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