Goals, Power and Similarity: Responses to Banter in Initial Interactions

Bantering can serve as an important strategy for relationship management. Guided by Multiple Goals Theory (MGT), politeness, and relational power, this study examines banter as a playful means to signal the desire for a possible relationship and/or to reinforce a sense of self. Specifically, this study examines responses to banter during initial interactions after an affiliative tease. A total of 623 participants read two hypothetical interactions involving a banter and/or a non-banter response. Respondents then completed measures about their affiliative responses, facework intentions, perceived similarity, power, and communication satisfaction. Results indicated banter was a significant influencer on affiliative responses and less facework management. Perceived similarity mediated the relationship of perceived power and communication outcomes in the context of banter. Results provided support for Multiple Goals Theory for initial interactions. Future research on banter as a communication strategy is discussed.