Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Communication Theories In The Office: Relational Dialectics And Genderlect, Christian J. Parham

Pepperdine Journal of Communication Research

The Office, known for largely for its comedic brilliance and the famous romance between Jim and Pam, also acts as a cultural artifact as it follows the development of their relationship. Through this essay, the interpersonal theory of Relational Dialectics and the intercultural theory of Genderlect communication will be analyzed with key moments from Jim and Pam’s relationship. Relational Dialectics will be used to analyze the interpersonal relationship between Jim and Pam, and the ways in which it develops and changes throughout the seasons. Genderlect will describe the different communication issues Jim and Pam have at different points throughout …