The Functions and Consequences of Interpersonal Touch in Close Relationships

Remland, Martin S.; Jones, Tricia S.

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-94492-6_12

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…Second, at the relational level, the interpersonal connection between those who engage in PTB and those who receive it should play a meaningful role in determining whether recipients will appraise such behavior as a positive signal of their relational value versus a potential threat to their physical well-being. Relationship psychologists have suggested that relational closeness (e.g., in a romantic relationship) between the individuals involved in an episode involving touch positively relates to whether recipients view the touching as appropriate behavior (Remland & Jones, 2022). Further, communication and anthropology scholars converge in their explanations that to the degree that recipients of PTB have close and intimate relationships with the person who initiates touching, recipients are inclined to experience touch as not only non-intrusive and meaningful, but also as an effective communication gesture (Devito, O'Rourke, & O'Neill, 2000;Koeppel, Montagne-Miller, & O'Hair, 2013).…”

Section: Relational and Contextual Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Theory of Professional Touching Behavior in Organizations: Implications for Human Resource Scholars and Practitioners

Tang,

Klotz,

Koopman

et al. 2023

Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management

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Professional touching behavior (PTB), which we define as intentional touching behavior that occurs between organizational members and that falls within the boundaries of appropriateness and professionalism in the workplace, is prevalent in organizations. Scholars from multiple disciplines, including human resources researchers, have acknowledged the importance of physical contact for facilitating interpersonal communication and relationshipbuilding. However, PTB may not only elicit positive reactions from those who receive it, but negative reactions as well, with implications for social dynamics in organizations. PTB can, on the one hand, fulfill employees' desires for interpersonal connection; at the same time, such physical contact at work can represent a threat to employees' health. To explain the nature and implications of these divergent effects of receiving PTB, we draw upon sociometer theory and behavioral immune system (BIS) theory to model the emotional, cognitive, and physiological processes via which, and the conditions under which, receiving such behavior will result in socially functional responses and prompt subsequent prosocial behavior, and when PTB will be perceived as a health risk and prompt withdrawal behavior. Our theoretical framework expands our conceptual understanding of the consequences of interpersonal physical contact at work, and has important human resources management (HRM) implications for organizational managers.

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Section: Relational and Contextual Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%