E3-E4 Management Rev date: 11-03-11

CHAPTER-2

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS

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Interpersonal Relations

Introduction

Interpersonal relations make the people web or net. The people are connected and
make the networks through interpersonal relations. Not only efficiency, effectiveness and
productivity can be increased but also the motivation level, morale and belongingness is
automatically enhanced through better interpersonal relations. This handout will deal the
definition, its need, factors affecting interpersonal relations and process for improving
interpersonal relations.

Learning objectives:
At the end of the session, the trainees will be able to:
• Define interpersonal relations
• Describe goal of interpersonal relations
• Explain the need for developing interpersonal relations
• List the elements of interpersonal relations
• Describe attitudes affecting interpersonal relations
• Explain the factors influencing interpersonal relation
• List the skills required to build interpersonal relations
• Describe process of interpersonal relations
• Explain tips for improving interpersonal relations

Definition of interpersonal relations

Interpersonal Relations are social associations, connections, or affiliations

between two or more people, who may interact overtly, covertly, face to face or may

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remain effectively unknown to each other such as those in a virtual community who
maintain anonymity (secrecy) and don’t socialize outside of a chat room.

Interpersonal Relations is based on needs i.e. to fulfill each other needs. The
gravity of needs determines the degree of Interpersonal Relations. The degree of relations
may be divided into three categories powerful, mild & poor. Needs play an important
role in making a relationship among pow
erful, mild & poor.

Goal of interpersonal relations

The goals of interpersonal relations are:

• To understand the exact meaning and intent of others

• To be understood by others
• To gain acceptance for yourself or your ideas or both
• To produce action or change

Need for developing interpersonal relations

Interpersonal relations develop and maintain trust & positive feelings in the
organizations. This influences employee’s productivity through effective coordination
and team spirit.

Human interactions affect the workers and management morale and motivation.
Workforce has diversities as cultural, economical, personal conflicts, emotional make-up,
barriers and multi–religious background. Hence, there is need to develop healthy
interpersonal relations for enhancing organization strengths, efficiency, and productivity
by reducing dysfunctional conflicts.
The relations are to developed within the organization with
• Promoters

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• Seniors
• Boss
• Colleagues
• Peer group
• Subordinates
• Junior staff.

The relations are to be developed outside (external agencies) the organization with
• Customers
• Vendors
• Governmental officials

Elements of interpersonal relations

The elements of interpersonal relations include

• Creating cohesive project teams
• Developing effective communication skills
• Emphasizing the importance of listening
• Delegating effectively
• Achieving a balance among authority, responsibility and accountability
• Negotiating to achieve a win-win outcome
• Respecting each other ‘s opinion
• Helping each other succeed
• Using power and influence effectively and
• Managing corporate politics

Attitudes/behaviors/habits that affects interpersonal relations

The following attitude/behavior/habit affects interpersonal relations:
• Selfishness
• Lack of courtesy

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• Not meeting commitment
• Inconsiderable behavior
• Rude behavior
• Lack of integrity & honesty
• Self centeredness
• Arrogance
• Negative attitude
• Closed Mind
• Lack of listening
• Suspicious nature
• Lack of respect for values
• Lack of compassion
• Impatience
• Anger
• Touch nature
• Past bad experience
• Uncaring attitude

Factors influencing interpersonal relations

The major factor influencing the healthy relationship amongst workers is the
personality of the leaders as well as the culture of the organization. Other factors
responsible for influencing the interpersonal relations are

• Favoritism
• Individual and cultural differences
• Verbal and non verbal communication
• Political pressures
• Greetings and salutations
• Body language
• Social background

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• Misuse of power
• Emotional stability
• Economical disparities
• Personal factors
• Language barrier
• Cultural differences

Skills required building interpersonal relations

The main skills required to build interpersonal relations are listed below:

• Know self and others personality

• Assertive communications
• Conflict management
• Build trust

Know self and others personality

Everyone who wants to make healthy interpersonal relations should know the art
of knowing his strengths and weaknesses. Also s/he should be able to assess the main
characteristics of the other party. After knowing the characteristics of the personality,
likings and disliking of the other party, one should talk on the wavelengths which can be
liked by the other. One should try to know the needs and should offer his / her help.

Assertive communications

Assertive communication is a communication skill. Assertiveness means to

express his/her feelings and ideas impressively i.e. without hurting other party. This is an
art to communicate effectively even those versions / opinions which are not of other
person’s interest or may be sometimes against their interests. This communication uses
the words even harsh language but the tone and body language remains calm and normal.

Conflict management

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Conflict is a situation when there is disagreement / different opinions over the
same object / situations or being interpreted differently by different people. Such
situations can be handled by two ways either by arguing or by discussing. In the context
of interpersonal relations, the conflicts must be handles using discussion mode.

Building Trust

Trust is the inner sense of acceptance of others with whom you share your secrets
knowing they are safe. It is relationship built on understanding of mutual respect and
caring. It is an act of placing confidence in others. It creates a bond between you and
others by sharing thoughts and inner feelings with others.

Process of interpersonal relations

The following stages are required to be followed to build interpersonal relations
• Understanding the individual
• Attending to the little things
• Keeping commitments
• Clarifying expectations – goals/roles
• Showing personal integrity
• Apologizing sincerely when you make a mistake

Tips for improving interpersonal relations

• Become genuinely interested in other people
• Call people by name
• Talk in terms of other people’s interest
• Smile
• Listen

Conclusion

Man is a social animal. Being social means interconnected with each other. The
connection between people is provided through interpersonal relations. These inter-

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personal relations may be healthy or may not be. There should be healthy interpersonal
relations which provide synergy, team spirit, optimum utilizations of resources, flowering
environment. This also affect the health of the workers. The people will be physically fit
and mentally stable in the culture of good interpersonal relations. Through this learning
session, efforts have been made to provide maximum input to the learners about the
subject.

Questions
1. Define Interpersonal Relationship.
2. On what factors the Interpersonal Relation depends
3. What is the need for Interpersonal Relationship in an organization?
4. Indicate the 10 elements of the Interpersonal Relationship.
5. What are the major factors that influence the healthy relationship amongst
Workers?
6. What are the main skills required to build interpersonal relations?
7. Indicate the stages required to build interpersonal relations.

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