The Service-Task Function

Abstract

In the earlier discussions of the intimacy and social control functions, the focus was on the role of contrasting motive systems in determining nonverbal involvement. Thus, there was an attempt to identify and analyze the link between internal cognitive-affective states and nonverbal behavior in interactions. Specifically, the intimacy function described the role of interpersonal affect in determining the relatively spontaneous expression of nonverbal involvement. In contrast, the social control function was described as the purposeful management of nonverbal involvement designed to influence others.