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CEOs of companies occupy large well-furnished offices with a personal secretary or
assistant to help them with their routine and schedule.

 The territory of higher-status people is better protected than of lower-status people. The
CEO‘s office is out of bounds not only to intruders but also to junior mangers and other
staff members.

 The higher a person‘s status, the easier it is for him to invade the territory of colleagues
of lower status. A supervisor can freely approach a subordinate‘s working area, whereas

it becomes mandatory for the subordinates to seek permission or take an appointment
before visiting the superior‘s office.

Space distancing not only defines organizational hierarchy, it also avoids chaos at a
work place by fixing the ‗working zones‘ for personnel of different status. Moreover, it also

defines that interpersonal relationship in organizations act as their formal zones.
Office and chambers and there are informal zones, also known as a neutral zone, like
the canteen and the cafeteria.

Seating arrangements are also a part of proxemics. Humphry Osmond has introduced
two arrangements of space distancing:
1. Sociopetal: arrangements to bring people close together and

2. Sociofugal: arrangements to push people apart
Research by Robret Sommer (1969) suggests that people prefer side-by-side seating
for cooperative communication while they prefer face-to-face seating arrangements for

competitive dealings.

3.5.3 ROLE OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION IN RELATIONSHIP

A close friend, partner, or family member may be able to read an individual‘s nonverbal cues

more easily. This deeper understanding on a nonverbal level may facilitate greater closeness and
strengthen bonds in close relationships, especially when it complements what is actually said by a
friend or one partner in a relationship.

When something does not feel right, however, it may be more difficult for people to hide

things from those close to them, and attempts to do so may result in miscommunication or conflict
in the relationship. Because nonverbal communication is frequently unconscious, the manner in which
individuals communicate nonverbally may provide the first indication of an underlying issue in the

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