SocioCommunicative Style Scale (SCS)

Author of Tool:

Richmond, V. P., & McCroskey, J. C.

Key references:

McCroskey, J. C., & Richmond, V. P. (1996). Fundamentals of human communication: An interpersonal perspective. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press.

Richmond, V. P., & McCroskey, J. C. (1990). Reliability and separation of factors on the assertiveness-responsiveness scale. Psychological Reports, 67, 449-450.

Primary use / Purpose:

Measures styles of socio-communicative behaviour.

Background:

Socio-communicative style refers to others' perception of a communicator's assertiveness and responsiveness behaviors. The SocioCommunicative Style Scale (SCS) is designed to measure the perceptions of these behaviors. Generally, these perceived behaviors are uncorrelated. These are two of the three components of the SCS construct. The third component is variously labeled as "versatility" or "flexibility." This third component is best measured by the "Cognitive Flexibility" scale.

Psychometrics:

The alpha reliability estimates for the measures of assertiveness and responsiveness are generally above .80. The predictive validity of this instrument has been demonstrated in numerous studies. It is believed that the components of SCS (assertiveness, responsiveness, and versatility/flexibility) are the essential behavioral components of general communication competence.