A Brief Introduction to Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM)

Summary

The Communication Theory of Meaning (CMM) explores how individuals actively co-create their social realities through communication. Instead of observing communication from a neutral perspective, CMM emphasizes that participants are constantly shaping and being shaped by their interactions. Communication is seen as a constitutive force, meaning it impacts our ideas, relationships, and environments. The theory focuses not only on what is communicated but also on the process and power of communication itself, recognizing its profound influence on our lives.

Takeaways

• 😀 CMM focuses on the co-construction of social realities through communication.
• 😀 It views communication from the perspective of participants, not as neutral observers.
• 😀 CMM emphasizes the constant cycle of creating and being influenced by what is created.
• 😀 Communication is a 'constitutive force' that shapes our ideas, relationships, and environment.
• 😀 The theory goes beyond the content of communication and examines the process of how communication occurs.
• 😀 CMM highlights the power and impact that communication has in shaping our lives.
• 😀 The theory acknowledges that communication itself is a real factor in our lives, not just the message.
• 😀 CMM sees communication as a dynamic and reciprocal process rather than a one-way interaction.
• 😀 The language of CMM challenges the notion of a passive communication process, instead showing it as an active force.
• 😀 Understanding CMM requires seeing communication as an ongoing and interactive creation of meaning.

Q & A

What is the main concept of CMM?

The main concept of CMM (Coordinated Management of Meaning) is that people in conversation co-construct their own social realities, which are simultaneously shaped by the worlds they create.

How does CMM differ from traditional communication theories?

CMM differs from traditional communication theories by focusing on the perspective of the participants rather than taking the viewpoint of a neutral observer.

What does CMM recognize about the process of communication?

CMM recognizes that communication is a constant cycle where individuals create and are simultaneously influenced by what they create.

What does the language of CMM describe communication as?

In CMM, communication is described as a 'constitutive force,' meaning that it shapes ideas, relationships, and environments.

What is meant by communication as a 'constitutive force'?

Communication as a 'constitutive force' means that the process of communication itself actively influences and shapes the thoughts, relationships, and environments of individuals.

How does CMM go beyond simply analyzing the content of communication?

CMM goes beyond analyzing the content of communication by focusing on the process of communication itself and examining how we communicate, recognizing the power in the way we communicate.

What is the role of participants in CMM?

In CMM, participants play an active role in co-constructing meaning and shaping their own social realities, as opposed to just reacting to a neutral, external force.

How does CMM view the influence of communication on our lives?

CMM acknowledges communication as a powerful, real factor that influences our ideas, relationships, and environment, going beyond the simple exchange of information.

What is the cyclical nature of communication in CMM?

The cyclical nature of communication in CMM refers to the ongoing process where individuals create meaning through communication, and this meaning, in turn, influences their future communications and realities.

Why does CMM emphasize the process of communication rather than just the content?

CMM emphasizes the process of communication because it views the way communication is conducted as a crucial factor that shapes our realities, relationships, and environments, rather than just focusing on what is being communicated.