The Transactional Model of Communication is a more contemporary model that represents communication as a process in which communicators generate social realities within social, relational, and cultural contexts. Unlike the Linear Model, where communication is viewed as a one-way process, the Transactional Model sees it as a two-way process.
Elements of Transactional Model of Communication
The key elements of this model are:
Senders and Receivers
Unlike the Linear model, where there is a distinct sender and receiver, both parties are considered communicators in the Transactional Model. They play both the sender and receiver roles simultaneously.
Messages
The communicators exchange verbal utterances, body language, and other information.
Channels
These are the means used to convey messages. It could be a face-to-face conversation, phone call, or text message.
Noise
Anything that can interfere with the message being received as intended. Noise can be physical (like loud sounds), psychological (like stress or biases), or semantic (misunderstandings about the meaning of a word).
Feedback
The receiver gives an immediate or delayed response. Since communication is viewed as simultaneous, feedback is a continuous part of the process in the Transactional Model.
Shared Meaning
This model emphasizes the creation of shared meaning between the communicators. It's not just about sending a message but ensuring the other person interprets it in the intended way.
Context
Every communication event occurs within a context. This can include:
- Physical context: Where the communication is happening.
- Social context: The nature of the relationship between the communicators.
- Historical context: The communication history between the participants.
- Cultural context: The beliefs, values, orientations, and underlying assumptions prevalent among the people in communication.
Fields of Experience
Each communicator brings personal experiences, attitudes, values, and beliefs to the interaction. They influence how the message is encoded, sent, received, and decoded.
The Transactional Model emphasizes sending and receiving messages in a continuous loop. It also considers the role of external factors and acknowledges that people carry their histories and experiences into their interactions, which can influence communication in various ways. This model has been particularly useful in recognizing the dynamic nature of human communications, especially in personal and social contexts.