Page 159 - Communication in Organizations Basic Skills and Conversation Models

Appendix A 148

Description of the situation
John and Peter are good friends. They live in the same house, both work, sometimes they
go out together and sometimes they are by themselves. Lately the times they go out
together have not been as much fun as they used to be. Peter drinks too much and keeps
hanging on later and it occurs more and more often that John then goes home by himself.
They have a silent agreement that what happened the night before is never discussed the
next day.

Role of John
The relationship between you and Peter is not what it used to be lately. You believe he is
drinking more and more. He eventually gets annoying and then starts to tell boring stories
and plays practical jokes that are immensely stupid and sometimes very hurtful to others.
He also has to be dragged away from these situations. If you say anything about this, he
gets very angry and can be very unpleasant. You then decide to leave and go home. On
the one hand you are annoyed because the evening was not much fun and on the other
you are worried about Peter’s condition. On top of everything else you feel embarrassed
about his behaviour on nights like that. Although you are not used to discussing your
nights out, you decide to do so now.

Role of Peter
Things have not been going well lately for you. The relationship between you and John
has cooled off, although you two can still get along with each other. You go out together
once in a while, but John seems unable to handle anything any more. He also often goes
home early, saying that lots of things need to be done the next day, and then looks at you
disapprovingly. You know that he thinks that you drink too much, but when John gets to
act like a teacher, you just feel like staying on and going on for a while. Besides you
really don’t drink that much. You really know your boundaries.
Conduct this role play in three different ways:
1 John criticizes in the wrong way. Peter reacts in the way he usually reacts in situations
like this.
2 John criticizes in the right way.
Peter reacts in the wrong way.
3 John criticizes in the right way. Peter reacts in the right way.

Role of observer
Evaluate each way separately. Pay especial attention to the effect that each of the
different exercises has on the behaviour of both interviewees.