A Communication Strategy

We are social beings; therefore, we need to develop communication strategies to enhance effective communication. Human beings develop a sense of social belonging in some specific social spaces where they are accepted (in-groups). One of the communication strategies in co-cultural theory and common among groups in the U.S is the assimilation strategy. It involves non-dominant individuals trying to fit in dominant groups. The three approaches of assimilation are non-assertive, assertive, and aggressive assimilation. A non-dominant member fits in dominant groups by shedding their cultural differences. For instance, visitors in the U.S utilize non –assertive assimilation by expressing themselves with politeness and a smile on their face and avoid being angry to seek acceptance.

Assimilation strategy has enabled minority groups like Hispanics and Africans in the U.S. to fit in several social spaces. For individuals to adopt this strategy, they must be willing to drop their cultural differences. Non-dominant groups have influenced assimilation strategy by manipulating all stereotypes and identifying what they have in common with them. Besides how non-dominant groups have influenced assimilation, assimilation has had both positive and negative inferences to them.

This strategy has had perceived costs and rewards. Assertive assimilation allows non-dominant groups to have extensive preparations before attending meetings with dominant groups. Assertive assimilation allows non-dominant groups to rationalize their behaviors to avoid being turned down in intergroup. They have to be smart and witty before interacting with non-dominant members. Also, it assists them in fighting stereotypes. Additionally, non-assertive assimilation enables non-dominant members to identify their similarities with dominant. If the interaction between dominant and non-dominant groups fails, one of the parties can utilize aggressive assimilation by distancing and disassociating from the group to avoid ridicules. Though these rewards and cost, the strategy achieve its aim of enabling Non-dominant groups to fit in dominant social spaces and engage in effective communication.