Coordinated Management Of Meaning Theory
Mackenzie Foldes
Professor McGrath
Comm 180
26 September 2014
Theory Summary and Comparison Paper
Theories in communication are a way to explain a phenomenon that happens in everyday life while interacting with others. Symbolic Interaction Theory (SI) and the Coordinated Management of Meaning Theory (CMM) attempt to explain the communication process. No theory is perfect, and between these two theories differences and similarities arise as well as personal strengths and weaknesses.
SI Theory examines how symbols are used during communication. The meaning of symbols is achieved through interactions between two individuals and can be changed through an interpretive process. SI Theory also examines how an individual perceives him/herself, otherwise …show more content…
SI Theory focuses on how the receiver creates a sense of self through feedback during interaction. CMM Theory focuses on how the receiver interprets messages according to set rules. Another similarity is that both theories focus on the intrapersonal and interpersonal context of communication. Meaning is created when both participants agree upon how verbal and nonverbal communication should be interpreted. For example, how you talk to your grandmother versus how you talk to your best friend is an agreed way of communicating. Individuals must be aware not only of the messages they are receiving but the messages they are sending. A difference between the two theories is that SI Theory integrates the Semiotic Tradition while the CMM Theory integrates the Cybernetic Tradition and Socio-Cultural Tradition. SI Theory focuses on how signs are used and interpreted during the communication process. CMM Theory focuses on cultural patterns and how set rules affect communication. It rejects the idea of the linear model because communication is achieved through
Professor McGrath
Comm 180
26 September 2014
Theory Summary and Comparison Paper
Theories in communication are a way to explain a phenomenon that happens in everyday life while interacting with others. Symbolic Interaction Theory (SI) and the Coordinated Management of Meaning Theory (CMM) attempt to explain the communication process. No theory is perfect, and between these two theories differences and similarities arise as well as personal strengths and weaknesses.
SI Theory examines how symbols are used during communication. The meaning of symbols is achieved through interactions between two individuals and can be changed through an interpretive process. SI Theory also examines how an individual perceives him/herself, otherwise …show more content…
SI Theory focuses on how the receiver creates a sense of self through feedback during interaction. CMM Theory focuses on how the receiver interprets messages according to set rules. Another similarity is that both theories focus on the intrapersonal and interpersonal context of communication. Meaning is created when both participants agree upon how verbal and nonverbal communication should be interpreted. For example, how you talk to your grandmother versus how you talk to your best friend is an agreed way of communicating. Individuals must be aware not only of the messages they are receiving but the messages they are sending. A difference between the two theories is that SI Theory integrates the Semiotic Tradition while the CMM Theory integrates the Cybernetic Tradition and Socio-Cultural Tradition. SI Theory focuses on how signs are used and interpreted during the communication process. CMM Theory focuses on cultural patterns and how set rules affect communication. It rejects the idea of the linear model because communication is achieved through