Interpersonal Communication Competence Research Articles

Insights for opponents on fostering interaction in the public defence of a doctoral dissertation

The public defence of a doctoral dissertation is a multifaceted, demanding interaction situation, in which the Doctoral Candidate and the Opponent have a conversation about the Candidate’s doctoral dissertation. The public defence is an honoured tradition and, in many countries, one of the key celebratory moments in academia. In Finland, the event is public and rather formal. The public defence has received little focus in research and academic discussion from the perspective of social interaction, in which the Opponent has a central role. The interpersonal communication competence of the Opponent largely determines the nature of the public defence. Hence, there is need for guidelines and support for the Opponents’ communication. The aim of our article is to describe the typical conventions of Finnish public defence for those unfamiliar with it and provide insights into public defence as an interaction situation. Additionally, we offer communication guidelines for the Opponents on how to construct effective and appropriate interaction in public defence and help those granted the honour to prepare and conduct their duties competently. We cover both the interpersonal conversation between the Candidate and the Opponent, and the engagement with the listeners.

Nurse leaders' interpersonal communication competence: Amixed-method systematic review.

To identify and synthesize evidence available on nurse leaders' interpersonal communication competence. Systematic mixed-methods review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis checklist. The data were collected following predefined inclusion criteria. Two authors independently performed the study selection using Covidence software. Three authors assessed the quality using Joanna Briggs' Institute's critical appraisal tool and the mixed-methods appraisal tool. The data-based convergent synthesis design and narrative synthesis were used. CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Business Source Elite, Academic Search Premier, Communication & Mass Media Complete, PsycInfo, Web of Sciences, Medic and Finna.fi were searched and the screening of citations in relevant articles. The final searches were performed on 17 October 2022. A total of 26 studies-15 quantitative, 9 qualitative and 1 of both mixed-method and multi-method-met the inclusion criteria. The nurse leaders' interpersonal communication competences described in the extant literature were categorized into three themes: message competence, relational competence and task competence. There were considerable differences in the levels of competence, as some competences were considered basic communication skills, while others required more advanced level competences. Furthermore, three competence levels were identified: novice, competent and expert. This study unravels a unique hierarchical description of communication skills across competence categories, supported by the assumption that communication skills are structured hierarchically. The studies reviewed herein had a narrow perception of nurse leaders' interpersonal communication competence and indicated a transmissional understanding of communication. This is the first mixed-methods systematic review that describes and synthesizes the evidence on nurse leaders' communication competencies hierarchically and across competence levels. The study suggests that further research should focus on a broader and more analytical understanding of the cognitive and affective aspects of interpersonal communication competence. CRD42023385058. No patient or public contribution.

Effective Communication in Providing Medication Information and Patient Satisfaction: A Cross-sectional Survey in Denpasar

Background: Pharmacy personnel should provide pharmaceutical care concerning the applicable standards. Furthermore, pharmacy management must consider patient satisfaction to ensure business continuity. Patient subjective factors strongly influence satisfaction. Meanwhile, patient perceptions of pharmaceutical services will change as their experience increases. The pharmacy must improve its services effectively and efficiently. Factors that affect patient satisfaction can assist pharmacies in improving service quality. Effective communication does not require additional resources to improve service quality. The same information can have different effects when presented in different ways.Objectives: Predict the domain of effective communication that influences patient satisfaction.Methods: The cross-sectional survey using a valid and reliable questionnaire was conducted in Denpasar. The research involved 100 pharmacy consumers and was taken with a convenience sampling technique. Data were analyzed descriptively, followed by a Chi-square test and multivariate analysis using logistic regression. The research involved four independent variables: pharmacy atmosphere, pharmacist performance, pharmaceutical technical competence, and interpersonal communication competence. Patient satisfaction is the dependent variable in this study. Results: Communication factors generally affect patient satisfaction in providing drug information. Among all the independent variables tested, interpersonal communication competence plays a significant role in predicting patient satisfaction with a p-value of 0.043 (Logistic regression with 95% confidence level).Conclusion: Patients who perceive pharmacists as having good interpersonal communication competence are 3,133 times more likely to be satisfied. Thus, pharmaceutical staff must train interpersonal communication skills to provide drug information to achieve patient satisfaction outcomes in pharmaceutical services.

Supporting and Inhibiting Factors of Agricultural Extension Interpersonal Communication Competence in Enrekang Regency

Agricultural extension workers play an essential role in increasing shallot yields. They provide technical counseling, transfer knowledge and skills, and are involved in post-harvest monitoring, mentoring, and counseling. In addition, they also provide information about business development and marketing. Agricultural extension interpersonal communication competence plays a crucial role in efforts to increase shallot yields in Enrekang. With these competencies, agricultural extension agents can establish good relationships with farmers, understand their needs, and communicate effectively to transfer relevant knowledge and skills. Through effective interpersonal communication, agricultural extension workers can assist farmers in implementing proper cultivation practices, overcoming obstacles, providing motivation, and building collaboration between farmers and related parties. This article uses a qualitative descriptive methodology. The result showed that the agricultural extension interpersonal communication competence is outstanding and has a positive value for farmers in Enrekang Regency. Some farmers are still reluctant and indifferent to following directions from extension agents because they consider themselves quite experienced in farming.
 Keywords: agricultural extension, interpersonal communication, Enrekang

Muva physical activity intervention improves social functioning in people with a severe mental illness: A pragmatic stepped wedge cluster controlled trial

Severe mental illness (SMI) imposes a significant burden on individuals, resulting in long-lasting symptoms, lower social functioning and impaired physical health. Physical activity (PA) interventions can improve both mental and physical health and care workers can serve as healthy role models. Yet, individuals with SMI face barriers to PA participation. This study evaluated the effects of Muva, and assessed if mental health worker's (MHW) characteristics were associated with clients' change in social functioning. Muva, an intervention package primarily created to increase PA of people with SMI, places a special focus on MHWs as they might play a key role in overcoming barriers. Other PA barrier-decreasing elements of Muva were a serious game app, lifestyle education, and optimization of the medication regime. MethodThis study is a pragmatic stepped wedge cluster controlled trial. Controls received care as usual. Mixed-effects linear regressions were performed to assess changes in the primary outcome social functioning, and secondary outcomes quality of life, psychiatric symptoms, PA, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Results84 people with SMI were included in three intervention clusters, and 38 people with SMI in the control cluster. Compared to the control condition, there was significant clinical improvement of social functioning in interpersonal communication (p=<0.01) and independent competence (p=<0.01) in people receiving Muva. These outcomes were not associated with MHW's characteristics. There were no changes in the other outcome measures. ConclusionsMuva improved social functioning in people with SMI compared to care as usual.

Health and Benefits of Dog Companionship in Women over 50 Years Old

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the health and wellness benefits of dog companionship in a population of women over 50 years old. Methods: This study used a combination of an online survey (n = 284 self-identified dog companions, n = 71 non-dog companions) and in-person fitness testing (n = 24 dog companions and n = 7 non-dog companions). In-person testing included the 6 min walk, handgrip strength, and chair stand tests. Results: From the questionnaire: Dog companions were 61 ± 7 years old and non-dog companions were 58 ± 6 years old. Dog companions reported 3 ± 2 medical diagnoses and 2 ± 1 medications, but non-dog companions only reported 2 ± 1 medical diagnoses and 1 ± 1 medications (p &lt; 0.001). Satisfaction with life scores and interpersonal communication competence scores were higher for dog companions compared to non-dog companions (p &lt; 0.001). Dog companions and non-dog companions reported similar amounts of time per week on vigorous activity. However, the number of days per week in which dog companions participated in moderate activity was higher than in non-dog companions (p &lt; 0.05). Dog companions also reported walking more days per week and for a longer time than non-dog companions (p &lt; 0.05). There were no differences in the in-person testing (6 min walk, handgrip strength, chair stand tests) between groups. Conclusions: When the in-person testing scores were compared to national standards, the women in this study were average to above average. Overall, women over 50 that own dogs walk more and have better life satisfaction, compared to non-dog companions.

The Importance of Interpersonal Communication Competence for Fresh Graduates in Facing the Industrial World

Orang yang memiliki kemampuan sosial dan dapat berkomunikasi dengan baik cenderung lebih berhasil dibanding dengan mereka yang tidak memiliki kemampuan tersebut, dan salah satu faktor yang banyak menentukan keberhasilan dalam menjalin komunikasi dengan orang lain adalah kompetensi interpersonal. Penelitian ini ditujukan untuk menjawab pertanyaan bagaimana kompetensi komunikasi interpersonal fresh graduates apa yang harus dilakukan untuk mempersiapkan fresh graduate agar memiliki kompetensi komunikasi interpersonal. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui wawancara semi terstruktur kepada 10 Human Resources Manager yang telah memiliki pengalaman dalam merekrut fresh graduate selama lebih dari 5 tahun. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa para fresh graduates masih harus meningkatkan kualitasnya dalam komunikasi interpersonal khususnya kemampuan berinisiasi, manajemen konflik, empati, kesetaraan, kemampuan mendengarkan, komunikasi efektif, kesadaran diri, dan Kerjasama tim.

The Impact of Acculturation and Interpersonal Communication on the Adaptation of East African University Students in Malaysia

The objective of the study was to explore how acculturation and interpersonal communication impacts the adaptation of East African students in Malaysia. Research samples were selected strictly based on the original formation of East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania), university students in Malaysia. Just like other international students these students face challenges to adapt in a new culture while striving to achieve their academic goals. To test the study’s hypotheses, a statistical package for service solution (SPSS) 20.0 was used to analyse data collected from 240 respondents. This study's theoretical framework was derived from Gu's (2008) Acculturation Scale for Asian International Students (ASAIS) and Rubin and Martin’s (1994) Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale (ICCS). These two studies were used independently to examine and identify any effects that acculturation may have on interpersonal communication. According to Pearson's correlation test, acculturation and interpersonal communication are all significantly negatively correlated. However, the results of the study indicated a significant difference in the length of stay and interpersonal communication for the adaptation of East African university students in Malaysia for the Independent t-test. In other words, the longer an international student stays in a country to pursue his or her goal, the better their interpersonal communication skills get. The results of this study show that both acculturation and interpersonal communication impacts the adaptation of these international students at different levels. This study looks forward to stimulating future studies of other international students’ acculturation processes from communication perception. Communication researchers can play a vital role in promoting understanding between and among ethnic communities and the host societies. Keywords: East African, acculturation, adaptation, interpersonal communication, Malaysia.

Modelling interpersonal behaviour-motive-satisfaction for employee commitment: Gender as moderator

This study investigated the association between interpersonal communication constructs and employee commitment. Employers and employees must have effective interpersonal communication skills to comprehend one another, understand requirements and expectations, and manage the workforce efficiently. Effective interpersonal communication also aids in enhancing the organisation’s engagement and enabling stronger bonds with stakeholders and colleagues. This research uses the quantitative method, a questionnaire-based survey of employees from various businesses to examine the factors that influence interpersonal communication competence. The data were analysed with partial least squares structural equation modelling with SmartPLS software. The findings reveal employers should prioritise interpersonal communication to enhance employee commitment. Organisations could undertake more engagement sessions and training to increase interpersonal communication. This study added to the body of knowledge by examining the relationship between three interpersonal communication factors and employee commitment. Other interpersonal communication factors influencing employee commitment and a mixed-method approach should be considered for future studies.

The Effect of Nonviolent Communication and Nonverbal Communication on Global Interpersonal Communication Competence of Nursing Students

The Effect of Nonviolent Communication and Nonverbal Communication on Global Interpersonal Communication Competence of Nursing Students

Integrating Project-Based Learning in Preparing Students' Interpersonal Communication Skills on Speaking Courses in Indonesia

Interpersonal communication competence plays a crucial part in the educational interaction space, as it directly impacts the behaviour of students who require a straightforward communication flow. This study aims to analyse the integration of project-based learning (PjBL) in preparing students' interpersonal communication skills in speaking courses in Indonesia, the proficiency of students' interpersonal communication skills, and the challenges of achieving them. The design of this study was a cross-sectional survey conducted in May 2023, involving 315 college students from six English Study Programmes at six universities across three provinces. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews and were then analysed with the assistance of Jeffreys Amazing Statistics Program. The total number of interviewees was 60, with 10 from each university. The data indicate that the interpersonal communication profiles of the 315 respondents fell into the Medium category (mean = 3.26), and the most common obstacle (mean = 4.6) in achieving interpersonal communication skills on a speaking course is a difficult-to-understand speech partner's accent. This finding has implications for college students, as these interpersonal communication skills should be strengthened through PjBL and communicative competence understanding. Both micro and macro components of communication competence are essential for English learners and speakers. Syntax, morphology, semantics, and phonology are all areas where micro components perform. The three macro components also strongly contribute to the achievement of communicative competencies, including discourse competence, sociolinguistics, and communication techniques. These two components are essential for creating a more dynamic and enactive educational interaction space and are mutually reinforcing.

Communication Competency and Positive Communication Among Women in Bihar, India: A Case Study of Heifer International’s Community Development Efforts

ABSTRACT Nonprofit humanitarian organizations work to alleviate poverty and are evaluated in part on their effectiveness in doing so. One such organization is Heifer International, a global humanitarian nonprofit whose mission is to “end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth.” In this study, we assessed the impact of Heifer International’s Values-Based Holistic Community Development approach on beneficiaries’ interpersonal communication competency and positive communication behaviors. The article offers a cross-sectional study of 815 women in Bihar India across four-time periods: baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months. Compared to baseline, participants reported higher levels of positive communication behaviors and interpersonal communication competence across 6, 12, and 24 months. Implications of these findings for future research are offered.

University Professors’ Communicative Competence and Its Relationship With Interpersonal Communication and Voice Symptoms

To analyze the association between communicative competence self-assessment and interpersonal communication self-perception and voice symptoms in university professors. Cross-sectional, analytical, observational study in 322 professors, who answered sociodemographic and occupational questions and three self-perception protocols: Self-Assessment of Communication Competence (SACCom), Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale (ICCS), and Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS). The dependent variable was SACCom's yes/no answers. Univariate and multivariate descriptive and inferential data analyses were performed through logistic regression. Most professors were females (55.3%), worked 40hours (96.6%), and self-reported voice symptoms (72.7%). The largest portion had been in the career for 11-22years (38.2%). The final multivariate model demonstrated that better self-assessed communicative competence among professors (SACCom) is related to an absence of voice complaints (odds ratio (OR)=2.17; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-3.65) and better self-perceived interpersonal communication (ICCS) (OR=1.05; 95% CI 1.02-1.08). The older the professor (OR=1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.06), the better their communicative competence (SACCom). Study professors' self-assessed communicative competence is predominantly high. Those with a better communicative competence self-assessment are older and vocally healthy and self-perceive greater interpersonal communication skills.

Large-group simulation as a learning method to promote interprofessional collaboration and older adults' patient centered-care.

This study described the influence of a large-group simulation on social and health care students´ working life competence concerning interprofessional collaboration (IPC) and patient centered-care. The target group (n=319) was social and health care students from several different degree programs taking part in a large-group simulation concerning older people´s oral health as a part of his comprehensive well-being and health. Data were collected with a questionnaire containing background questions,statementsabout interprofessionalpractice and open-ended questions about learning experiences. The number of respondents was 257, including 51 oral health care students (OHCS). The data were analyzed using descriptive and statistical methods and content analysis. Working life competencies covers the overall social and collaborative skills which health-care professionals need in their work. They were reported to be improved in IPCandpatient-centered care (PCC). The main described learning experiences in open responses included appreciating different professionals' competencies and the importance of interprofessional decision-making, interpersonal communication competence and patient-centered attitudes in care provision. The large-group simulation is a good model for educating larger student groups simultaneously and it functioned well in improving understanding of IPC and PCC among older adults.

A pilot study of transdisciplinary graduate capabilities, interpersonal communication, and technical competence: Bachelor of Applied IT and Master of Social Work student partnership

Academics at Griffith university envisioned a complementary learning and supportive relationship could be developed between Bachelor of Information Technology (BAIT) students and Master of Social Work (MSW) students. Discussions between discipline specific staff highlighted that each discipline had strengths and expertise that could assist students to overcome challenges brought about by systemic changes in tertiary education, gaps in skillsets and curriculum, and workforce expectations. Pressures included students attending university from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the increasing importance of information technology (IT) in the classroom and workplace, as well as the requirement to communicate effectively across a range of disciplines. Working, interacting, and communicating effectively in cross-discipline and culturally diverse environments is a requisite for all graduates, however academics found there were few opportunities for students to partner across disciplinary silos. Staff from both disciplines collaborated to develop a conversational pedagogical framework to underpin a pilot program to support peer learning, using active problem-based learning with IT and social work students. The pilot program evidenced a complementary transdisciplinary, learning partnership and enabled students from IT to help students from social work develop IT skills, while social work students assisted IT students to become more confident in their interpersonal communication skills.

Leadership and work community – views of graduating dental students

PurposeThis study aims to explore what kind of perceptions dental students at graduation stage have on leadership and work communities, and themselves as leaders and work community members after completing a leadership course tailored for them.Design/methodology/approachThe research material comprised reflective essays written by fifth-year dental students who had participated in a leadership course. The essays were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.FindingsMost students reported that they had not considered seeking a leadership position before the course, but their views of leadership had grown more positive as a result of completing the course. Students perceived interpersonal communication competence as the most important factor for leaders, the whole work community and for themselves. They assessed that their biggest strengths were found in this area. The biggest challenges in adapting to a work community concerned the students’ professional identities, which were still taking shape at the time of graduation.Originality/valueThe need for leaders in health-care professions is growing due to ongoing reforms, multidisciplinary teamwork, the development of new technologies and patient demands. Therefore, undergraduate leadership education is needed to ensure that students have knowledge of leadership. Graduating dental students’ perceptions concerning leadership and work communities have not been widely explored. Students’ perceptions of leadership were positive after the course and helped students to realize their own potential in this area.

Investigating the effect of abusive supervision on work engagement through the role of employee creativity: the moderating effect of interpersonal communication competence

ABSTRACT This study investigates the negative effect of abusive supervision on employees’ work engagement via the mediating role of employee creativity and examines how interpersonal communication competence (ICC) buffers the negative effect of abusive supervision on work engagement and employee creativity. The Conservation of Resources (COR) theory was employed to explain the theoretical model. Data were collected from employees working in various organisations. Participants were recruited using a combination of recruitment methods and completed the survey via an online platform. Five hundred fifteen (55.7% were male) responses were included after dropping participants who failed to complete all three phases of data collection and the attention check items. The measurement model analysis suggested that the theoretical model was supported. The results supported all hypotheses in this study. Abusive supervision negatively predicted work engagement and employee creativity. In addition, the negative effect of abusive supervision on employee creativity and work engagement was stronger for those with low ICC. This study also found that the indirect negative effect of abusive supervision on work engagement through employee creativity was stronger for employees with low than high ICC. Discussion, implications, and limitations are included.

Competency model for academic excellence in nursing educators

IntroductionThere is currently no common criterion with regard to the teaching skills that the educators on the nursing degree should have. As a result, the training of these professionals is generally minimal and very heterogeneous. The purpose of the study was to determine the importance of the teaching competencies that nurse educators should have, by developing a competency model that can be used to design future training sessions for these professionals. Material and MethodsA map of competencies was designed for educators on the nursing degree following a review of the literature. An online self-administered questionnaire was created in order to determine the importance given by teachers to each of the proposed competencies, by using the Likert scale. The data was collected in an electronic database and statistically analysed. ResultsA total of 327 nurse educators from different Spanish universities participated in the study. In general, all competencies were rated as important, with scores of 4,3 and above out of 5. Those with the highest scores were disciplinary competence (4,68), interpersonal communication competence (4,66) and planning competence (4,61). An intraclass correlation coefficient of 0,968 was obtained, which showed an excellent level of agreement among participants. ConclusionIt is considered that the proposed model of teaching competencies for nurse educators is appropriate and meets the needs of these professionals in terms of pedagogy and teaching methodology. Therefore, it should be considered as a tool for the development of future training plans.

Self-esteem, Interpersonal Communication Competence, and Media and Technology Usage as Predictors of Loneliness Among University Students

Loneliness is a common concern among university students, as these individuals experience many of the risk factors associated with loneliness. This experience of loneliness tends to lead to numerous consequences such as negative self-evaluations, anxiety, and depression, which in turn lead to impaired concentration and a decline in academic motivation and performance. The overarching aims of this study were to identify the predictor variable(s) or combination of predictor variables, namely self-esteem, interpersonal communication competence, and media and technology usage, that explain a significant percentage of the variance in loneliness amongst undergraduate university students, as well as to investigate whether differences exist in loneliness with regards to gender, ethnicity, and generational status. The sample consisted of 1,191 South African undergraduate university students between the ages of 18 and 30. This study was non-experimental in nature and a correlational research design was used. The results indicated that the combination of the independent (predictor) variables accounted for 51.9% of the variance in the Loneliness scores of the sample. Interpersonal Communication Competence and Self-esteem served as statistically and practically significant individual predictor variables of the students’ loneliness. Male students and first-generation students tend to be lonelier than female students and non-first-generation students, respectively.

Common Mental Disorders and Self-Perceived Interpersonal Communication and Vocal Symptoms in University Professors

To determine the prevalence of common mental disorders in university professors and to analyze the same with sociodemographic and occupational data, self-perceived interpersonal communication, and vocal symptoms. A Cross-sectional analytical observational quantitative study with 322 university professors. Four assessment instruments: the Sociodemographic and Work Information Questionnaire, the Self-Report Questionnaire, the Brazilian Dysphonia Screening Tool, the Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale, and the Voice Symptom Scale. The study performed descriptive and association analyses. The measure of association was the prevalence ratio, estimated with Poisson regression with robust invariance, considering common mental disorders as a dependent variable. The prevalence of common mental disorders in university professors was 27.6%. There was a significant association between such disorders and self-perceived vocal complaints, the suspicion of dysphonia, and self-perceived difficulties in regards to being heard with a mask (sometimes/always). The higher the score in the self-disclosure domain of the Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale the higher the prevalence of common mental disorders in university professors. The prevalence of common mental disorders in university professors is high and influences their self-perception of vocal symptoms and interpersonal relationships. Hence, it reinforces the need for measures to maintain university professors' vocal and mental health.