Explain types of Social Transactions

Explain types of social transactions.

Ans.    People interact with each other from either the child, ult or parent ego state. Depending on the kinds of ego stâes1fiiolved, the interaction can be either complimentary or crossed.

            COMPLIMENTARY TRANSACTIONS

These kinds of transactions occur when the message sent or the behavior exhibited by one person’s ego state receives the appropriate or expected response from the other person’s ego state. For example:

Teacher: Do not talk when I am teaching!

Student: I am sorry madam.

In figure, the stimulus from the first person is under the influence of the parent ego state and the response from the other person is under the child ego state. Other types of complementary transactions are parent-parent, adult-adult, parent-adult and child-child.

Since these transactions meet the needs and expectations of the initiators, communication flows freely, Interpersonal relations will improve and there is no scope for conflict.

Here are some more transactions:

(1)     Boss: Have you been able to write the report?” (Adult to Adult)

Subordinate: “Yes – I am

examples of complimentary

(Adult-to Adult)

(2)     Anil: “Would you like to come and watch a film with me?” (Child to Child)

Sunil: “I would love to! Which film are we going to watch?” (Child to Child)

CROSSED TRANSACTIONS

A crossed transaction occurs when the message sent or the behavior of one person meets with an incompatible, unexpected response from the other person. An inappropriate ego state is activated and the lines of transaction between people get crossed. For example,

Supervisor: I would like to discuss some important work with you today. How about 5.30 in the evening?

Subordinate: Forget it! I have no time today!

In figure, the supervisor tries to deal with the employee on an adult-to-adult basis, but the employee responds on a parent-to-child basis.

When crossed transactions occur, communication tends to be blocked as The-receiver’s response was not what was expected by the sender and does not satisfy the sender’s needs. Crossed transactions are often the cause of inter-personal conflict. It results in hurt feelings and frustrations.

Here are a some more examples of crossed transactions:

(1)     Boss: Have you been able to write the report?” (Adult to Adult)

Subordinate: “Will you stop bothering me? I will do it eventually!” (Child to Adult)

(2)     Anil: “Would you like to come and watch a film with me?” (Child to Child)

Sunil: “Are you crazy, stupid? There is so much work to be done.” (Parent to Child)

ULTERIOR TRANSACTIONS :

This is the most complex type of transaction. It is transaction that is subtle, has double meaning and has more than two ego states. In an ulterior transaction, the literal and intent meanings are not one and the same. For example,

Supervisor: Do you know what time is it? (You are late!)

Subordinate: It is quarter to nine. (I don’t care!) In organizations, the transaction that is likely to be most effective is that of Adult to Adult. Such a transaction treats people as equals, encourages problem solving, and reduces the probability of conflict.

Complementary transactions are also effective because it satisfies the needs of both the parties. For example, if the manager wants to  play the  role of  a Parent—and the employee wants the role of a child then the two may develop an effective working relationship.