When Rules Collide (Communication Misunderstanding

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Communication is the interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by using speech, writing, or signs. A message is enclosed in a “package” and sent by the sender to a receiver by a channel or medium. Although many may not notice how complex and puzzling communication may be, philosophers and researchers devote a great deal of their time analyzing the complexity of communication. If communication is executed properly we find it rewarding and very successful in conveying what we feel, what we believe, and what we want. When the execution of communication is done poorly we find there are consequences. Miscommunication is when the sender and receiver of a message do not come to the same level of agreement about a certain issue. While communication is harmonious miscommunication on the other hand is disharmonious. Many theorists analyze communication and miscommunication with the Coordinated Management of Meaning theory, or CMM. “CMM theorists believe that to communicate successfully, we must take into account four levels of context: episode, relationship, life script, and cultural pattern.” (Trenholm, 2008, pg.83) We find miscommunication everywhere in our daily lives. Many times miscommunications are portrayed in the media, such as in television series, or movies, and as well as in literature. An analysis of the popular television series, The Office, provides an example of CMM and miscommunication. The episode I selected is from season 6, episode 2, called “The Meeting.” In this episode, Michael, who is the manager of the paper company finds out that his boss, David Wallace, and his co-worker, Jim, are having a private meeting without him. Upon finding out Michael becomes extremely paranoid and essentially makes himself go crazy over this meeting. He begins asking co-workers around the office if they know anything and asks for their help. After trying

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