Relationships between Modes of Social Interaction

Abstract

The increased emphasis on improved middle range theories in social science represents a response to the theoretical and practical limitations of broad, general theories (see for example, Weick, 1974). In the spirit of this movement toward middle range theories, we argue that three distinctive modes of social interaction can be identified. Moreover, it is further argued that behavior within a given mode is best explained by application of a unique middle range theory. However, the central focus is on a different, but closely connected issue. This issue concerns how movements occur between interaction modes. In effect, we are asking how linkages can be built between middle range theories of social interaction. For convenience, the analysis is limited to the simplest form of interaction — the dyad. However, either one or both parties to the dyad can be conceptualized as an individual, group, or organizational entity. Since our current concerns are speculative and exploratory, social interaction is examined abstractly without specifying a certain type. Later, the adequacy of this abstract approach can be tested by reference to more specific cases.