COMMUNICATION BETWEEN LECTURERS AND STUDENTS : PRESPECTIVE OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GROUPS

Abstract

This paper explores the pattern of communication between lecturers and students in an educational setting. Using the framework of Communication Accommodation Theory, this study investigates whether the communication patterns between lecturers and students were influenced by an intergroup context. In depth interviews were conducted for 25 pairs of lecturers and students at Unika Atma Jaya, Jakarta. The findings show that participants communication behaviour were influenced by status differences between lecturers and students. Status differences created a social distance between lecturers and students which lead to incongruence perceptions and communication satisfactions. Equal relationships can be managed by employing accommodative communication behaviour.

Keywords: intergroup context, communication accommodation