What Is The Transactional Model Of Communication?

While there are many models of communication, the transactional model is the simplest and the most useful.
It is not a fact unknown that humans are social animals. They need to communicate in order to survive. This is a scientifically proven fact, and it has been going on since the beginning of time. So if there is something that we need in order to survive in society, it is communication.
If you want to know more about the transactional model of communication, then you have reached the right place. Keep on reading this article till the end to learn more…
What Is The Transactional Model Of Communication?

To speak simply, the transactional model of communication is a two-way interactive model of communication where conversation happens in both directions. There is a listener and a speaker.
Sometimes, in a transactional model of communication, there can be one speaker and more than one listener. The idea is pretty simple— there has to be a speaker who is sending the messages and a listener who is receiving the messages, and vice versa. It is two-way communication.
Factors: What Makes It The Transactional Model Of Interaction?
There are various characteristics of this interactive model of communication that makes it one of the best when it comes to communicating. For example, in this model of communication, the communicators send and receive messages simultaneously.
Here are some of the factors of the transactional model of communication:
1. Social
When it comes to the social factors or the social context, it refers to the rules or the norms that are followed in society. This means that the way you communicate with others will have to abide by the accepted rules of society.
Even minute changes in the social sphere will affect the topic of conversation. When communicating, you need to be patient while demonstrating empathy. At the same time, you need to ensure that you are making eye contact with the person you are communicating with.
2. Cultural
When it comes to the cultural context of the conversation or communication, more importance is given to the variety of cultural connotations that exist in the transaction approach. In addition, it includes the identity of the individuals interacting in terms of gender and ethnicity.
When communicating, the communicators should not assume that they are aware of each other’s cultural backgrounds. You need to keep in mind that while some cultures are dominant, others lie on the marginalized spectrum.
3. Relational
Last but not least is the relational context of communication. This involves everything that the communicators share. Includes the history of their relationship.
It is one of the most common factors that affect the transactional model of communication. This is because people with shared histories will be able to freely communicate with one another compared to those who come from different backgrounds.
Note: The term Context in this case is the factors that influence the communication between the two communicators. These can be either physical or/and psychological factors that have the ability to enhance the conversation.
Importance: Why Do You Need A Transactional Model Of Communication?

One of the significant things that you need to know about the transactional model of communication is the fact that, in this case, communication is transactional. This means there is a barter system present where both parties equally indulge in communicating and interacting.
This model of communication is a continuous process. In this case, the communicator should construct the message in a manner that enables them to communicate with each other freely.
Because there are several contexts that take part in this transactional transmission model of communication, it becomes easy for communicators to maintain freshness in the interaction.
The model of communication, which involves a transaction of ideas and words, is considered to be one of the most effective ways of communicating, as there is a constant flow of information. It also gives a lot of importance to the different ethnicities, traditions, and cultures of communicators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-
As you have almost reached the end of this article, I hope most of your doubts have been cleared. Nevertheless, here are some of the questions that users frequently ask. Try reading through them for more clarity.
Ans: Some of the characteristic features of the transactional model of communication are:
⦿ There are two or more people involved in the process.
⦿ Communication is dependent on both parties.
⦿ The events of the communication have a specific tense that it follows.
Ans: Another common type of communication model is the linear model of communication. It is the model of communication where there is only one speaker and one listener. Communication happens one way: the sender sends the message, and the listener receives the message.
Ans: There are several models of communication that exist at present. Some of them are:
⦿ Linear
⦿ Constructionist
⦿ Convergence
⦿ Berlo
⦿ Schramm
Wrapping It Up!
The transactional model of communication is the model or type of communication where two individuals converse. It is a transaction of communication in which both parties take part.
In other words, it is a two-way communication model which ensures that communication happens in both directions at the same time. It is, therefore, one of the simplest models of communication that helps you to communicate in society and the sector of business.
In case you were searching for the answer to what is the transactional model of communication, I hope that this article has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, feel free to comment them down in the box below.
Read Also:
There’s noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain good factors in features also.