A Study on How Spatial Preferences Related to the Perceived Interpersonal Relationship on Members Within an Organization

Abstract

The present study examined the spatial preferences and the spatial relationship within an organization. It aimed to describe the effects of the respondents spatial preferences on their perceived interpersonal relationship with the superior, subordinate and within the organization itself. The spatial preferences referred to here are the distance, sociofugal-sociopetal orientation, kinesthetic factors, visual contact and seating arrangement maintained by members of an organization. The study also determined to described how the demographic characteristics of the respondent affect spatial preferences among members of an organization. The study was based on the framework that in order for an organization to function smoothly, interpersonal relationships should be established and enhances. And one way of laying the groundwork for good interpersonal relationship is through the maintenance of acceptable spatial preferences. The respondents in the study were taken from the three academic divisions of the College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila. A total of thirty six respondents were subjected to this study. The instrument used was a questionnaire which was divided into two parts: the first part focused on the spatial preferences of the respondents and the second part focused on the perceived interpersonal relationships among members of the division. A descriptive approach was used to determine the effect of spatial preferences on interpersonal relationship and vice versa. The presentation of data was aided by tables of responses. The results gathered showed varying distances were maintained by the respondents when communicating with different types of people in the division. Noteworthy were the closer distance maintained by the respondents when communicating with different subordinates than with superiors. Similarly, younger co-faculty members were given smaller spaces during interactions than older co-faculty members. Female to female interactions were also described to be closer than male to male or mixed-gender interactions. Distance also varies when the respondent is going to praise or going to criticize the work of another person. The data collected in this study did not concur with Edward T. Hall’s distance for impersonal discussions because the respondents preferred a much closer distance. The results gathered with regards to the sociofunga-sociopetal orientation of discussants are not characterize by marked differences unlike distance. A majority of the respondents preferred the parallel, face to face orientation irregardless of the topic and the person he is discussing with. The intervening factor (sex, age and status) played a role in determining the outcome of the likelihood for physical contact between the respondent and the other person. The respondents are more likely to get into physical contact with the subordinates than with the superior. The preferred distance for this interactions were also indicated to be very close. With regards to the visual contact that the respondents establish when communicating, it was gathered that the sharp and focused visual contact was preferred. This preference is irregardless off the communicative situation. Then with regards to seating arrangements, expected outcomes in three out of four communicative situations were validated. The respondents preferred seats in the center of the table rather than the corner seats closer to the superior, this finding are contrary to the expected outcome. On the other hand, the respondents preferred to sit closer to the subordinates in a side by side arrangement. The respondent kept distant from seats marked as occupied by hostile persons. In addition, the respondent chose seats closer to them in a side by side arrangement as the seats of person which they are most likely to interact with. In relation to the difference in spatial preferences are the difference division. in perceived interpersonal relationship in the It was gathered that generally most respondents characterize their superior as a strong, decisive and firm individual. In the same manner, the respondents characterize their subordinates as compliant and hardworking individuals. These perceptions accounts for the difference in spatial preferences between the respondent with the superior and the subordinate. In addition to the difference in interpersonal relationship with the superior and the subordinate are the differences in: how the division treats the individual; the basis of task assignment in the division; why work in the division is performed; and why people in the division work together. From the data gathered, it can be concluded that spatial preferences affect the perceived interpersonal relationships in an organization and vice versa. Since spatial preferences are manifestations of the non-verbal communication then it can be said that in order to improve interpersonal relationships in an organization, the non-verbal aspect of communication that transpires should be taken into consideration.