What is the Transactional Model of Communication?

Communication is one of the difficult processes that primarily focuses on the process of exchanging information through writing, speaking, or any particular medium. Mainly, to give a clear representation of certain aspects such as where or with whom the communication starts and ends, the communication models come into the picture. In general, the communication models are classified into 3 types- Linear, Interactive, and Transactional. Do you know what a transactional model of communication means? In case, you have no idea about it, continue reading this blog post. Here, you will get complete details about the transactional communication model.

Before jumping to know everything about the transactional model, first, let us have a look at the standard communication model types.

Basic Types of Communication Models

As said earlier, the communication model is divided into three types- Linear, Interactive, and Transactional. See below, to update your knowledge about each of them.

• Linear Communication Model: It is a non-interactive one-way communication model like broadcasting on television or giving a speech.
• Interactive Communication Model: It is a two-way communication process with little or no feedback.
• Transaction Communication Model: It is a two-way interactive communication that is mostly used in real-time situations like Skype or phone calls, casual conversations, and so on.

However, when compared to all these three models, the transactional model of communication makes communication better in both personal and professional settings. It is a fundamental mode of communication that waits for a response to a previous message. To know more about the transactional model of communication, keep on reading.

What is the Transactional Model of Communication?

A transactional model of communication also known as a circular model of communication is a two-way communication process within relational, social, and cultural contexts. Usually, this interactive process entails the exchange of messages between the communicators i.e. sender and receiver. Mostly, this communication model is extensively used for interpersonal communication but it doesn’t work if the receiver fails to respond to the sender.

Note that, in the transactional model of communication, only one person can send information at a time and also the other person can respond only after receiving the information. Face-to-face communication, phone calls, job interviews, and other forms of simultaneous communication are all examples of this model. To keep the interaction active, in this process, both parties are essential. Therefore, this real-time communication model is highly effective for communicators who share some bonding or any environmental assignment help-related aspect.

Characteristics of the Transactional Communication Model

In a transactional model of communication, the sender at first, encodes the information and delivers it to the receiver through any specific medium. The receiver then decodes to read the message and responds in the same way. The three fundamental characteristics of this Business communication assignment writing services model are as follows:

• From the very beginning to the present, this kind of communication has evolved.
• This communication is mostly dependent on its past.
• The idea of time is also the main point.

Factors That Affect the Transactional Communication Model

Environmental noise is one of the major factors that have an impact on the transactional communication process. Physical noise, psychological noise, and physiological noise are all examples of environmental noise.

The transactional model generally makes connections between communication in social, relational, and cultural contexts. Here, let’s examine the transactional communication model’s three contexts in detail.

Relational Context

It manages habits and relationship histories. Most of the time, communication varies depending on the roles and types of connections. Say, for example, an individual discusses and acts contrastingly with a close buddy than with an outsider. When interacting with strangers, manners generally serve as a means of communication. To make a conversation more challenging, manners are well-choreographed under the standard values.

Social Context

The social context in the transactional model of communication is centered on the norms, laws, and values of the society, as well as other communication boundaries within a specific range. Likewise, it alludes to the standards that confine individuals’ ability to associate. Thanking, apologizing, greeting, and so on are some examples.

The self and social realities are primarily influenced by this communication model. Communication encompasses not only the sending and receiving of messages but also the establishment and maintenance of relationships that result in the development of a community.

Cultural Context

A person’s culture, caste, class, ethnicity, race, gender, and several other factors all play a significant role in communication. When two individuals of a similar cultural group interact, then communication will be more effective. But when they talk to people from different cultures, it’s common for them to feel more self-conscious. Attitude, experiences, reality, social upbringing, and mindset are additional factors that influence people’s responses.

Read More – Engaging Communication Research Topics for Students

Transactional Communication Model Examples

Some common examples of the transactional model of communication are

• A chat session
• A telephone call
• Face-to-face meeting
• Skype call
• Job interview
• Team meeting
• Interactive training

Real-time Transactional Communication Model Examples in Business

For your better understanding, here, we have shared some examples of how popular companies have used the transactional model of communication.

Apple

Apple’s “Get a Mac” ad campaign launched in 2006 used the transactional model of communication to humanize the Mac computer and Windows PC, encouraging consumers to choose the Mac over the PC. The ads featured characters named Mac and PC discussing the benefits of the Mac and defending the benefits of the PC. Apple positioned the Mac figure as the casual, young, and stylish embodiment of Mac users. On the other hand, many thought Bill Gates looked like the old, boring, and nerdy Windows user that represented the PC character. The way Apple employed transactional communication to position its brand was affected by these characteristics that played on notable cultural differences between the typical customers of both organizations.

Other videos like “Viruses”, feature the Mac character feeling somewhat sorry for its PC rival when it becomes infected with a virus. The video then notes that Windows is susceptible to over 114,000 known viruses that do not harm Macs. Also, it highlights Apple as a brand that understands customer concerns about safety and security.

Domino’s Pizza

Domino’s Pizza landed in a scandal after a series of videos that exposed improper food handling procedures went viral in 2009. The company was taken aback by the speed at which the videos were seen and it was criticized for not responding. Later, Domino’s responded by engaging with customers using the transactional communication model.

The company created a Twitter account where customers could express their complaints or have their inquiries answered by corporate officials. In this scenario, communication took place mostly in the social setting. The company apologized for its faults and expressed respect for the viewpoints presented. Dominoes and its clients both played the roles of sender and receiver at the same time.

To repair its shattered reputation, Domino’s launched ‘The Pizza Turnaround campaign’. The campaign revolved around a short documentary featuring footage of the company conducting focus groups. In a conversation, a client stated that “Domino’s crust is like cardboard,” while another claimed that “microwave pizza is far superior.” Rather than ignoring negative feedback, Domino’s engaged in constructive communication with customers to determine the way to improve its pizzas. The company also followed transactional communication rules to dictate social situations. It was patient with customers and encouraged them to voice their concerns. Most importantly, it was honest and sincere when it admitted its pizzas were subpar.

In the end, Domino’s decided to start over and threw out its old recipes. Among other things, the company created pizzas with a rich, buttery dough and used better cheeses and sauces. As a result, Domino’s became the No.1 pizza chain in the USA.

Pros and Cons of the Transactional Model of Communication

Discover the advantages and disadvantages of the transactional model of communication here.

Pros

• Versatile and interactive two-way communication process.
• Allows for feedback so that the senders can comprehend the way they receive the message and make any changes if necessary.
• Takes into account nonverbal cues like body language and gestures that can accurately interpret facial expressions.
• Allows the individual to gain a deeper comprehension of the various influences on communication.
• A dynamic communication process that is shaped based on context such as environment, culture, and relationship between communicators.

Cons

• A high likelihood of miscommunication.
• Sending and receiving messages is difficult for individuals who lack social skills.
• Time-consuming communication model that requires a lot of feedback and interaction.
• Require the active participation of both parties.
• Cultural differences often impact this communication process and lead to misinterpretation.
• Less significance in nonverbal communication.

Criticism of the Transactional Communication Model

Get to know the criticism of the transactional model here.

• If there is no verbal response, the sender will not know whether the receiver received the message in the same way as it was delivered. In relational communication, the response is an essential component because it will provide a space for misunderstandings.
• The transactional model allows for noise as it supports face-to-face communication. For instance, if some of the employees are talking to each other during the meeting, they won’t be able to accomplish the intended goal of the meeting.

Implications

• The term “transactional” denotes that communication is not a one-time event. It is a dynamic and long-lasting process. Individuals are not the same, and they change depending on the situation and collaboration. Moreover, the environment also varies as a result of the conditions.
• Each component exists to all other components in any transactional method. They are interdependent in some way. Until the receiver understands the message, it has no use.
• Each person in this communication technique reacts unpredictably to a variety of circumstances, including message meaning, past experiences, cultural beliefs, attitudes, and confidence. Therefore, these are some inferences noted in this model.

Transactional vs. Linear Model of Communication

Would you like to know how the transactional communication model is different from a linear communication model? Learn the key differences between the two models from the table below.

Conclusion

Hopefully, by now, you will have acquired a better comprehension of the transactional communication model. This method of communication is frequently utilized in marketing and business management. Moreover, the transactional model also focuses on numerous components and activities, including encoding, decoding, message, channel, and noise. It also includes nonverbal gestures and body language in different social, relational, and cultural settings. If you have any doubts regarding the transactional communication model, approach the communication assignment experts in our team for clarification.