Understanding the Four Sides Model

Understanding the Four Sides Model

In the realm of Communication and Change Management, the Four Sides Model plays a crucial role. This model, also known as the Communication Square, is a communication model developed by Friedemann Schulz von Thun. It suggests that every message has four facets, though not all of these may be intentional or consciously handled. These four aspects are the factual information, self-revealing, relationship, and appeal.

Let’s delve deeper into understanding what each of these sides stand for:

• F: Factual Information – This is the data or facts conveyed by the sender.
• S: Self-revealing – This side reveals something about the sender, their motives, values, emotions etc.
• R: Relationship – This side expresses how the sender views and values the relationship with the receiver.
• A: Appeal – This side contains the sender’s appeal, wish, or instruction to the receiver.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Four Sides Model Wikipedia page.

References

1. Schulz von Thun, F. (1981). Miteinander reden 1: Störungen und Klärungen – Allgemeine Psychologie der Kommunikation. Reinbek: Rowohlt.

2. Schulz von Thun, F. (1989). Miteinander reden 2: Stile, Werte und Persönlichkeitsentwicklung – Differentielle Psychologie der Kommunikation. Reinbek: Rowohlt.