6 Types of Non-Listening in Stakeholder Engagement

Abstract

This research seeks a fuller-bodied understanding of situational dynamics where stakeholders do not feel listened to. For contentious topics like nuclear technology, conflict arises from communication dynamics as well as from the issue itself. Listening is essential for constructive dialogue, but experiences of it are subjective. Improving our understanding of these interactions requires new theoretical insight. We address this need through an investigation of interviews conducted with Saskatchewan women engaged in the nuclear sector. From these interviews, this research constructs a new theoretical model which recognizes six types or patterns of nonlistening interaction: blocking, isolation, withdrawal, dismissal, refusal, and disruption