Haptics Communication:
Haptics is a form of non- verbal communication using a sense of touch. Some forms of Haptics communication is Handshake, or a gentle pat on back, or a high five.The sense of touch allows one to experience different sensations.
Haptics can be categorized into five types :
- Functional/Professional
- Social/ Polite
- Friendship/Warmth
- Love/Intimacy
- Sexual/Arousal
Managers and co-workers should know the effectiveness of using touch while communicating to their sub-ordinates, but need to be cautious and understand how touch can be misunderstood.
A hand on shoulder may supportive for one person whereas for other person it may be negative for another.
We use handshake to gain trust and introduce ourself.
Haptics rules changes according to different cultures, context and status of relationships.
In US the main form of greeting is handshake, though with friends they may hug each other. In Japan people bow at eact other upon meeting and touching is rather considered rude.
In Latin America kissing either on one or both cheeks is considered as form of greeting.