Interpersonal communication motives and message design logic: exploring their interaction on perceptions of competence

Abstract

Message design logic and interpersonal communication motives were conjointly studied to assess their interaction on receivers' perceptions of senders' competence. Two 8 (motive)×3 (message design logic) repeated measures ANOVAs indicated significant interaction effects for both effectiveness and appropriateness. Nevertheless, the effects of design logic and motive on perceptions of competence were not as expected for some situations. The results of the study fail to support past research suggesting that perceived effectiveness and appropriateness will be enhanced by using a more complex message design. In addition, no pattern emerged for the instrumental versus the ritualistic motivations in terms of the most competent message design.

Keywords:

• Message Design Logic
• Competence
• Interpersonal Communication Motives

Notes

Gwen A. Hullman (Ph.D., Kent State University, 2003) assumes her duties as Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech Communication & Theatre at The University of Nevada, Reno on 1, July 2004. The author would like to thank Rebecca B. Rubin, who directed the dissertation upon which this article was based. Correspondence to: Gwen A. Hullman, Department of Speech Communication & Theatre, The University of Nevada, Reno, Mail Stop 228, Reno, NV, 89557. Email: [email protected].

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gwen A. Hullman

Gwen A. Hullman (Ph.D., Kent State University, 2003) assumes her duties as Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech Communication & Theatre at The University of Nevada, Reno on 1, July 2004. The author would like to thank Rebecca B. Rubin, who directed the dissertation upon which this article was based. Correspondence to: Gwen A. Hullman, Department of Speech Communication & Theatre, The University of Nevada, Reno, Mail Stop 228, Reno, NV, 89557. Email: [email protected].