Uncertainty Reduction Axioms and Their Types - Assignment Example

Uncertainty Reduction Axiom 3 states that high levels of uncertainty cause communicators to increase levels of information seeking strategies and this can be observed when an individual takes up a new job. At first both the new employee and his or her new colleagues ask a lot of questions. These questions can relate to the job tasks but there are also social questions where each person tries to evaluate the other, and judge whether they are likely to get along together. As time passes the level of friendliness becomes established and the new employee forms work relationships with each person, either on a rather warm, rather cool or neutral basis and the communication drifts into a daily routine without so many direct questions.

This axiom is also self-evident. Uncertainty Reduction Axiom 4 states that high levels of uncertainty inhibit the expression of intimacy and this is certainly true in a romantic relationship situation. It is true when people meet on a first date and are shy with each other but it is also true in a long term relationship when something unexpected happens to break the bond of trust which exists between partners. In these two cases, uncertainty is high and intimacy is unlikely to emerge. However if a dating couple spends some time together finding out about each other, or a long term couple talks constructively about the matter which caused them to be uncertain with each other, then intimacy is more likely to develop (in the first case) or resume (in the second case).

This axiom is, therefore, true in these cases. It is possible, however, that in the second case too much certainty in the communication can kill off any intimacy. This can be observed in couples who have been together for a very long time and who think they know all there is to know about each other. They are bored, talk very little, and no longer display intimacy. This axiom is therefore true to an extent, but if taken too far it is no longer true.