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Personal distance

This is generally seen between good but not very intimate friends during regular interactions.
Close phase – 1.5ft to 2.5 feet (45 to 75cm)

Far phase – 2.5 to 4.5 feet

Social distance

It signifies formal business communication among colleagues or business associates.
Close phase – 5 to 7ft

Far phase – 7 to 12 ft

Public distance

Public distance is observed while communicating with strangers. It is also maintained during

public speaking

Close phase – 12 to 25 feet
Far phase – 25 ft or more

Space distance in environment

Space distancing is not just confined to individuals. It also focuses on the nonverbal

messages transmitted through the environment like territory and the space in buildings and
rooms, and seating arrangements. Every organization has its own norms regarding territoriality.
For instance, personnel placed at the higher levels in the organizational hierarchy have control

over more space than those who are at the lower levels. A director or manager usually has a
separate office.

Gerald Goldhaber has proposed the following three principles of space distancing in the
organizational setup.
 People of higher status will have more and a better territory. It may be noticed that the

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