Why Stay Connected Free Essays

To stay connected with people we love, admire or simply want to do business with is not as hard as it seems. Thanks to social media we have the ability to communicate through the social web with Just a click of a button. With so much information to share, I believe people use computers everyday for social relationships, functionality, colonization, context and commerce because it provides a user friendly experience that’s inviting and receptive. We will write a custom essay sample on Why Stay Connected or any similar topic only for you Order Now In today’s society, social networking has become like an operating system where every experience can be social and user friendly. For most people, the web is a viable tool that is used everyday of the week from the sounding of the alarm clock, until television puts us to sleep. This tool is capable of transporting information through text, audio, video or graphics across the world and can go virtually in an instant to and from anyone with a device and web access. It’s beneficial sharing personalized and accurate content with friends, family or business associates who rely on the web and value staying connected while developing social relationships. When developing social relationships it’s important to stay open and accessible at all times. Since people can now enjoy connecting with family and friends for free on social sites like Backbone, it allows loved ones from other countries to communicate without incurring expensive phone bills. Sometimes Internet use can cause a decline in face-to face time with families. In the article Successful Farming, A 2009 survey of 2,000 households by the University of Southern Californians Enablers Center for the Digital Future reveals that 28% of Americans admit that they spend less time with members of their household. During the past decade, Merganser survey show that shared family time ranged from 22. 6 to 29. 8 hours per month (Devise, C. 09 pig. 61). These statistics coincides with the explosion of social networks. The article also goes on to mention that Passbooks user base catapulted to 200 million in 2009 from 140 million in 2008. The survey points out that 52% of users say the Internet is â€Å"important† or â€Å"very important† in sustaining relationships. But how important does the functionality play in business relationships? When considering the sites purpose for users through Functionality, the function of the site must be fulfilled. When a business positions itself to sell products, the site must be able to describe these items along with a summary about the company. According to the article, Web Site Functionality (Barnes, 2010), it lists three rules of function for companies to have success in selling their products. The first rule is to â€Å"be quick and to the point. † Companies shouldn’t subject their visitors to flash and distracting images on the sales page of the site. The goal here is not to loose your visitor before you sell them. The second rule is â€Å"think like a visitor, not like yourself. † This particular strategy helps the visitor to better understand what you are selling because of how simple it is to read and access the product. Simplicity her is the key. The third rule is â€Å"assist, don’t constrain. † What this rule is clearly stating is treat your visitors like guess in your house. Show courtesy in the way you respond on your site, if visitors type an invalid quantity field. Instead of saying â€Å"Invalid Quantity,† say, â€Å"Please enter only whole numbers in Quantity. † This approach helps the visitors relax and feel comfortable, as they will have a better overall experience on the site. Delta Air Lines is a good example of a company that has taking strides to accommodate their customers without going through the technicalities of booking lights and hectic checking-inn’s. According to (NYSE: DEAL) Delta was named â€Å"Top Tech- Friendly U. S. Airlines† by Popcorn magazine for its airport recharging stations (Technology Business Journal, 2012). This recognition was based on Delta having in-flight Wi-If on more domestic flights than any other carrier and smartened APS with innovative features including baggage tracking, airport check-in and the ability to book tickets directly from Backbone, while enjoying 24-hour customer service via Twitter. Since customer service is first class for some companies is there a way for there company sites to become more social? I believe one of the best ways for every page to have a social experience, is through Colonization. Identity technologies like Backbone Connect, Opened, as well as existing identities will soon colonize the web in the near future, making every webbing a social experience even if they don’t want to participate. Using Backbone for example, if you look at majority of television and radio adverts, you are quickly directed to the company’s Backbone address. This call of action is a form of branding, which allows a company to communicate in a timely and informal manner. This teeth invites feedback and interaction with customers. Many brands are taking advantage of corporate pages like Coca Cola, which is the leading product on Backbone with over 20 million people â€Å"liking† its page (Towns, 2011). This style of Colonizing allows companies to inject their personality onto a web page, pushing employee’s to post comments, photographs and videos to promote a company’s personality in a genuine way. A company would not move in the right direction if the context weren’t complete. This is why content is so important because it personalizes an accurate account of the company’s marketing campaign. Content is the fuel of the social web in that it brings a product launch to life through short films, videos, commercials, and emails by the product developer all-starting with a simple concept. According to the NYSE, Nielsen released results of a new research study revealing online content as a connective tissue for Internet users with 27 million pieces of content shared on a daily basis (NYSE: AOL, 2011). The results also show that 53% time spent on the Internet is directly attributed to content consumption, and consumer social graphs play a key role in sharing content with email as the primary sharing tool. Nearly one-quarter of all social media messages contain links to content (NYSE: AOL, 2011). In the web search world, one of the most undocumented forms of Content is word- of-mouth. According to the Keller Fay Group’s Talk Track, as much as 90% of word-of- mouth takes place offline (Hawthorne, Chromic, 2012). This form of content is dispersed and sporadic across the Internet. Many agencies and research companies pull their information from multiple sources, which focus on finding online word-of- mouth and tone in posts to blobs, chat rooms, consumer review sites, social networking sites, and viral videos. Depending on the clientele of a website, the reviews and overall impressions of a product may be marketed differently. So how can word-of-mouth be leveraged through social commerce? When communities define different products and services, you are speaking of Commerce, which is online and already social. A Nielsen report (2011) highlighted that 90% of consumers trust the opinions of people they know. 70% trust anonymous ratings and reviews posted online, compared to Just 33% who trust online banner ads. Many brands have shied away from social media when asking for the sale. For example, Mobile Web has become a key focus for developers as a recent survey points out that 66% of the developers rate Mobile Web support as a top priority for 2012 (Computers, Networks ; Computers, 2012). The article goes on to say that Bloodmobile’s one-click purchase flow will help developers to accelerate revenue through direct carrier billing. This offers customers a simple and easy payment flow, which translates directly to higher revenue. Another example of how commerce solutions are becoming easier for consumers is the partnership with Ecocide, Inc. , producer of the worlds first platform-neutral, rope-in store builder widget and website builder Yolk to provide its e-commerce solution to Yolk customers. Yolk is the leading website builder that lets individuals and small businesses create websites with no technical expertise required (Computer Weekly New, 2012). Yolk’s Online Store package powered by Ecocide allows users to quickly create a store by setting it up in their Yolk dashboard and dropping it into any page of a new and existing site. This all-in-one solution is for customers looking to create a website and start selling online. When you look at the many brands that use social applications, it’s not only in erect support of e-commerce activities, but also its in anticipation that it will deliver on the bottom line at some point in the near future. Such brands like Dell, who use Twitter for sales promotions, Trapdoors who uses Backbone to funnel sales and Matter, the giant toy store who launched Shop Together which enables people in different locations to see what each other see’s and talks about different products using an onscreen chat window. This social application has generated billions of dollars to major companies who understand the importance of social networking. In conclusion, we now understand better the need to connect and share with people globally and how cost effective and easy it is to stay in touch with friends, family and businesses through the social web. Social relationships are birthed from social networks, which become operating systems that provide services to customers who are looking for a social experience online. Without a sites purpose being as simple and easy to follow, consumers will be lost in translation. That’s why it is so important for networking sites to create a user-friendly atmosphere that’s inviting and receptive. The reasons why people use the web are simply for the benefits. Without social relationships, functionality, colonization, context and commerce, there will be no desire to stay connected online. How to cite Why Stay Connected, Papers

Swisher Mower Company Essay Example For Students

Swisher Mower Company Essay SWISHER MOWING AND MACHINE COMPANYEVALUATING A PRIVATE BRAND OPPORTUNITYTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS2Background Statement3Major Issue / Problem3Alternative One3Advantages of Alternative One4Disadvantages of Alternative One5Quantitative Implications5Alternative Two5Advantages of Alternative Two5Disadvantages of Alternative Two6Quantitative Implications6Alternative Three6Advantages of Alternative Three7Disadvantages of Alternative Three7Quantitative Implications8Alternative Four8Advantages of Alternative Four8Disadvantages of Alternative Four9Quantitative Implications9Alternative Five9Advantages of Alternative Five9Disadvantages of Alternative Five10Quantitative Implications10Recommendations10Implementation10EXHIBIT A SWISHER MOWER COMPANY FACTS11EXHIBIT B SWISHERS FINANCIAL STATEMENT13EXHIBIT C PROPOSAL DETAILS14EXHIBIT D PROPOSAL CALCULATIONS15EXHIBIT E AGGRESSIVE ADVERTISING ALTERNATIVE16EXHIBIT F INCOME STATEMENT WITH ADVERTISING19EXHIBIT G TRADING UP / LINE EXPANSION2 0EXHIBIT H BRAND EXTENSION21REFERENCES22Background StatementThe Swisher Mower and Machine Company (SMC) was founded in 1945 by Max Swisher. The company prides itself on maintaining a small company image and obtaining personal relationships with dealers and customers alike. SMC has a rather small product line:1.)Ride King three-wheeled riding mower that has a zero turning radius. Mid-engine configuration. 2.)Trailmower (T-44) trail-type mower that has a cutting width of 44 inches. 3.)Push lawn mower kits component parts necessary to assemble push mowers. 4.)Trim-Max high-wheel, walk behind product that combines a trimmer, mower, and edger in one unit. SMC distributes its lawn mowers through farm supply stores, lawn and garden stores, home centers, and hardware stores located primarily in non-metropolitan areas. The Swisher Company sells its line of products through a variety of ways such as wholesale distributors, direct-to-dealer, and private-label. Currently, Swishers advertising focuses on trade-oriented promotion to wholesalers and dealers. SMC has remained a profitable company since its founding. For a list of detailed facts about SMC see Exhibits A and B. Major Issue / ProblemThe primary issue facing SMC is whether they should offer a product under a private brand arrangement through a major national merchandise chain. The second issue is whether to accept, modify, or reject the proposal from the merchandise chain. Alternative OneThe initial alternative is to accept the private brand opportunity from a major national retail merchandise chain. Details regarding the proposal can be found in Exhibit C. The retail chain is expected to make an annual order of approximately 8,200 units. The chain will receive the mowers at a price 5% lower than Swishers manufacturers list price. The chain has requested small changes in appearance to the mowers such as different seats and type of paint. The Swisher brand name will not be displayed on the mowers, and Swisher will not be allowed to mention its relationship with the chain. A two-year contract was offered, with extensions done on a year-to-year basis thereafter. This alternative would impose one of the two Branding Decisions that commonly face marketing managers. The branding decision in question relates to supplying an intermediary with its own brand name (Kerin, 163). The Swisher Company must determine if being the producer of a private brand will incre ase their profits and benefit their bottom line. In order to do this, it is important to consider a couple of factors when making the decision:1.)The producer has excess manufacturing capacity. 2.)The variable costs associated with producing a distributors brand do not exceed the sale price. If both these situations are true, the possibility arises for Swisher to make a contribution to overhead and utilize production facilities (Kerin, 163). Advantages of Alternative OneThe following are the advantages for pursuing alternative one and accepting the private brand proposal from a major national retail merchandise chain:1)Allow Swisher the opportunity to expand production with excess capacity. .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b , .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b .postImageUrl , .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b , .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b:hover , .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b:visited , .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b:active { border:0!important; } .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b:active , .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u374cf15797081d8f95ff3c352970ce6b:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Gay Rights Essay Introduction2)Provide Swisher with a competitive advantage. 3)Broaden distribution. 4)Increase sales for parts. 5)Potential sales of the trail mower. Disadvantages of Alternative OneThe following are the disadvantages for pursuing alternative one:1)Incur costs due to A/R and inventory requirements. 2)Additional variable costs (OT-4%, DM-1%, OH-1%, Other-1.5%). 3)Additional fixed costs. 4)Possible cannibalization of existing sales (300 units). 5)Possibility of becoming too reliant on private brand revenue. Quantitative ImplicationsSee Exhibit D for calculations in regards to Alternative One. Alternative TwoThe second alternative involves conducting an aggressive advertising campaign. This will allow the Swisher Company to possibly accomplishing several objectives that will in turn boost revenues. First, Swisher will aim to increase its market share across the nation by broadening its scope of advertisement to more states. Second, Swisher is hoping to establish increased brand recognition with the belief being that this will cause both consumers to inquire about their products and

Traditional Saree Weaving in Betgeri-Gadag Cluster of Karnataka free essay sample

Gadag is a city in Karnataka state in India. It is the administrative headquarters of Gadag District. Gadag and its sister city Betageri (or Betgeri) have a combined city administration, and the municipality of Gadag-Betageri has a population of 1,54,849 and an area of 54. 56 km?. As of 2001 India Gadag-Betgeri had a population of 154,849. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Gadag-Betageri has an average literacy rate of 71%; male literacy is 79%, and female literacy is 64%. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. Gadag has become the district head quarters since 1997. Gadag consists of five taluks namely Gadag-Betageri, Ron, Shirhatti, Naragund and Mundargi Since last two centuries Gadag-Betgeri area is famous for its weaving and fabric producing activities. Betgeri is famous for its good quality mercerized cotton and silk sarees with famous Gadi Dadi–Border and Red colour Tope Theni Pallow like famous ILKAL sarees. This region of North Karnataka has lot of weaving activities to the extent of 20 thousand people are engaged in this profession. We will write a custom essay sample on Traditional Saree Weaving in Betgeri-Gadag Cluster of Karnataka or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page April, May and JuneMore demand for sarees, but less productionAbsence of Expert weaver due to marriage season July,Aug. and Sept. No demand for sarees due to â€Å"Ashadamasa†Slack of market. More production in the cluster. Oct,Nov and Dec. More demand for sarees ,but less productionAbsence of Expert weaver due to festivals Jan,Feb,MarchLess salesMore production in the cluster. Almost all the Powerloom Industrialists in this cluster have their own market throughout the year. But the problem observed by survey is the non availability of expert weaver and their frequent migrations. Hence only financially sound can stock the products during slack market duration. Almost all small and medium units are dependent on the agents and traders for their financial supports. Value Addition 1)Embroidery: The art of decoration of fabric or other material with threads, wires or leather using a needle may be defined as embroidery. With the advent of sophisticated machines, embroidery is possible by machines also, especially for repetitive volume work. But, it is the hand embroidery that continues to fascinate mankind for thousands of years. Traditionally, women have been practicing this art from time immemorial. In the cluster,some sarees are taken up for hand embroidery (Kasuti work) or Machine embroidery as per the customer requirement. In hand embroidery depending upon the design, a worker takes one day to five days for a single saree. Women worker does these embroidery works, who all works on part time bases and earn money. 2)Dress materials: Sarees may be converted in to dress materials that are usually available in readymade position for stitching. It is usually of 7 Meters of length, out of which 2. 5 Meter is specially made for wale portion and 4. 75 Meter is made for dressing portion. Production of saree As per the survey, a weaver can produce 5 meters to 6. 7 meters of different varieties of sarees and he can produce 1 sari to 3 sarees in a day. The price range of one sari is around Rs. 230=00 to Rs. 1300=00. Total Power loom units in this cluster are 372 units Total Looms installed in this cluster are 1819 looms The sarees produced are mainly worn by women, age ranging from 40 to 60 years. Wages Skilled Power loom weaver wages differ from design to design and are normally Rs. 00 to 250 per day. They have the employment throughout the year. Employment to women is more on winding machines and they earn minimum about Rs 100=00 per day. Marketing Annual Transaction The silk cotton blended sarees are having good demand among the customers of different states because of comfort and low price when compared with other sarees. As per the estimate the place Betgeri is having transaction about 41 and odds crores in a year.

Chaucer The Canterbury Tales Essay

Chaucer The Canterbury Tales Essay Free Online Research Papers The Canterbury Tales were written by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1370. The General Prologue gives a description of all the characters in The Canterbury Tales, however, in this essay, I am going to concentrate on The Miller and The Pardoner. In the prologue the Miller is presented as a bit of an idiot who uses his muscles more than his brain, ‘There wasn’t any door he couldn’t leave off its hinges or break by running at it with his head,’. He was also a bit of a petty thief and a brute, ‘He carried a sword and buckler by his side,’, ‘ He was very good at stealing and taking three times what he was owed,’. He is also not very pleasant to look at, he was fat ‘With big muscles and big of bone as well,’ he had lots of blemishes too, ‘on the top right if his nose he had a wart, on which stood a tuft of hairs,’. He is reflected in his tale because his tale is rude and has an element of trickery involved. The Pardoner is made out to be a scam artist in the General Prologue because he tells people that he is connected to god and if they give him money their sins will be forgiven, ‘He made the person and the people his fools,’ ‘And so with double talk and tricks,’. He is also very ugly but doesn’t know it, ‘He though his appearance matched the latest fashion,’ ‘His eyes were big and bulging,’. His tricky nature is reflected in his story, the three drunk men try to find and kill ‘death’. They find an old man who tells them that they will find death underneath a tree, so they go to the tree and the find treasure. They all plot to kill each other with tricks, however, they all manage to kill each other ’After all treasure divided 2 ways was better than treasure divided 3 ways,’ and then death comes to collect his treasure.’ ‘ Indeed they did find death upon that path and under that tree,â₠¬â„¢. In conclusion, I think that the Miller and the Pardoner are just as bad as each other and I would not like to travel with either one of them. The two portraits are also very different because one of them is very humorous and the other is a bit more serious but they are both based on trickery. Research Papers on Chaucer 'The Canterbury Tales' EssayLife After Death Personal EssayThe Gnostic JesusAlbatross and Rimm of the Ancient MarinerThe Damnable Life of FaustWho has Impacted Your Life the Most EssayAnalysis Essay of the The RavenJim Crow Law EssayThe Story of Beatrix PotterHenderson the Rain KingGlobal Distributive Justice is Utopian

Case Study eassy on Weight Watcher INC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case Study eassy on Weight Watcher INC - Essay Example The main competitors of Weight Watcher are Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig and eDiets. According to the report the weight management industry came to light in the late 1990s., from 2006 onwards there is a promising upwards trend in the world diet control market. Generally there are two distinct kinds of strategies associated with the diet control industry, one is the strategy for long term growth of the organization and the second one is retention of the customer base to maintain their involvement . During the span of last 20 years, there is a continuous trend of the growth in the population. With the growing trend of population obesity as well as overweight also increased during this time span. The importance of the physical exercise , awareness of health benefit , loosing weight all these parameters now have a huge demand in the world population. So along with the time, the weight management industry is also growing along with the time. But in the recent time, there are also some negative impact in the weight management industry. According to the report, the industry rose to $ 59.7 billion in the year 2009 which was only about 2% growth YOY. But it was failing to close in with historical 6% growth rate. (Taber et.al, 2010, p. 8). There are also different challenges associated with the growth of weight watchers. Being one of the leading organizations in the market it is now facing a tough competition from others, moreover it is also facing a challenge to develop a forward focus diet plan for the 21st century. According to this report, during the year 2011, Weight Watchers tried to represent themselves in the markets of USA and abroad. Their focus also shifted from women centric to cover all the gender across the society, launching new and innovated diet program to capture the market potential. General Factors and Industry Environments that Affect Weight Watcher’s Choice of Strategy The weight Watcher’s business strategy is based on different parameters like the any top organization. Being a top performing company in this sector their strategy was also very up to date and for a long span of time they remain the sole dominant force in this field. To decide on the strategy, they rely on following points. They believe in giving to the customer what they want not what they need, they have designed their strategy based on marketing the feelings of loosing weight not the product. Different factors like creating exclusive products for different age groups, different weight groups. At the very beginning the main focus of the organization was to target the women to reduce and maintain their weight as the obesity was one of the key disease in the country. To reach up to the maximum number of people, they have designed online course material as well as several live campaigns in different places to ensure that they can reach up to the every corner of the society for every class. General factors which are associated with their strategy are like giving their customer what they want in a scientific and standard way so that customer remains interested in their services. Their customer centric approach increased the customer base drastically. The general factors and the environment related to the strategy of the organization is governed by porter’s five force model. Hill and Jones (2010), in their analysis mentioned Porter’

Will be provide Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Will be provide - Essay Example red to the flow loop since the level loop is just pegged on the level valve just as where the flow loop also depends on both the flow and level valve. The level sensor’s gain was recorded at 121.28% m. Rationally an increase in the level percent led to an increase in the level as the tank increased. The effects of the derivative, integral and proportional actions on the system were observed with the turning of the flow level trainer. It was established through the turning that the system responded faster with a gain in the system. Involvement of the integral led to a decreased and went from slow reactions to unstable ones. Addition of the derivative caused the higher rate to do an overshoot. Tuning rules are critical part of learning how to manage a system. In this section of the experiment, familiarization with the operation of flow level trainer as well as data V system was acquired. The set point reactions and tuning parameters of the flow as well as level loop were observed. The first tuning parameters of the system are as indicated in table 2.3.1. The reaction to a set point alteration of the flow loop was examined by setting the rate of flow to 2.5 USGPM and level set point to 50 %.There was time allowed for the system to be able to settle so that its water level and flow rates were approximately at the allocated set points. Recording was done for the positions of the level and flow valves. Thus, changes were made for the flow set point from 2.5 USGPM to 3.0 USGPM. The system’s response was examined by recording the new level and flow valve positions in table 2.3.2. There was observation of the response to a set point change of the level loop by setting tank water level to 60% as well as the flow set point at 3.0 USGPM. Once again the system was given time to settle with the recording of valve and flow positions being done. Thus there was a reduction of the set point to 30% from 60% and the new flow ad valve positions were put down in table 2.3.3 The

Touch And Relationship Satisfaction In Romantic Relationships Psychology Essay

Touch And Relationship Satisfaction In Romantic Relationships Psychology Essay Although touch behaviors have been examined in many different contexts, little research has been done on the gender differences in the expectations of touch behaviors in nonmarital, romantic relationships. Touch has been defined as being an important nonverbal communicator in romantic relationships and plays a vital role in establishing the status and current nature of a relationship. Using the nonverbal expectancy violations theory as well as past research, this work proposes a new avenue of research that has not previously been adequately connected. Specifically, this work proposes the examination of the gender differences in the expectations of touch and how expectancy violations of touch may alter relationship satisfaction for individuals in romantic relationships. Nonverbal behaviors are essential in establishing and maintaining romantic relationships. They have the power to alter the feelings, perceptions, and emotions towards another individual in significant ways. Guerrero and Floyd (2006) state that, relationships sometimes suffer when people send conflicting nonverbal messages, express negativity through nonverbal cues, or misinterpret one anothers behaviors (p.1-2). Also, if a relational partner is not receiving nonverbal expressions of liking and affection from their significant other, this can cause the partner to feel unvalued and can increase uncertainty about the state of their relationship (Floyd Burgoon, 1999). Nonverbal cues are, therefore, relied on for attitudinal information in order to understand what a romantic partner is implying and meaning (Le Poire, Duggan, Shepard Burgoon, 2002). These behaviors are used to show the nature and status of a relationship to one another, as well as others around them. In romantic relationships, touch is one of the most important displays of affection (Floyd Burgoon, 1999). This particular nonverbal communicator has been labeled the cue that influences the nature and quality of the relationship (Guerrero Andersen, 1994, p.137-138). Couples rely on touch in order to initiate, resume, or end an intimate encounter (Mohen, 1993). Two behaviors that are associated with touch, first kiss and first sex, have been noted as important events for partners to show commitment in their relationship (Manusov, Docan-Morgan, Harvey, 2008). In addition, evidence has shown that people touch and expect to be touched more in close relationships (Burgoon, Walther, Baesler, 1992). Because touch is such an important nonverbal communicator in romantic relationships, it is necessary to examine how touch defines an interpersonal relationship. Are there gender differences in the expected use of touch in romantic relationships? This article intends to shed light on the expectations of touch in romantic relationships and how violations of these expectations can affect relationship satisfaction. This article will extend the current knowledge of the nonverbal expectancy violations model to touch behaviors and relationship satisfaction in romantic relationships. According to Floyd and Burgoon (1999), in established romantic relationships affectionate behavior should be more expected than it is among strangers. In these types of relationships, two individuals develop person-specific expectancies for their partner (Burgoon Hale, 1988). Nonverbal expectancies are acts that are seen as appropriate, desired, preferred, and most typical. These personal expectancies are based on an individuals intimate knowledge of their partner, their relational history, and their experiences with that person. Attached to nonverbal behaviors are different relational messages, which are the communicative means by which romantic dyads define their interpersonal relationship (Burgoon Le Poire, 1999). Burgoon and Hale (1984) concluded that there are as many as twelve nonorthogonal relational message dimensions that can be simplified into four categories: intimacy, dominance, composure, and formality. A single nonverbal behavior can have several different relational meanings, however, a few nonverbal behaviors, like touch, have consistently been used to only express liking, affection, and intimacy (Burgoon Le Poire, 1999). The way in which an individual evaluates the behaviors from their partner may have an effect on relationship satisfaction. Relationship satisfaction is an individuals evaluation of a relationship which is based on their attitude and overall happiness in the relationship. Relational Messages In association with four relational messages of intimacy, dominance, composure, and formality are sub dimensions of nonverbal involvement. Coker and Burgoon (1987) found nonverbal cues of immediacy, expressivity, altercentrism, conversation management, and relaxation to be applicable to the construct of conversational involvement. To breakdown interpersonal constructs into finer-grained constituents, positivity is also added to the preceding five sub dimensions. Immediacy includes nonverbal behaviors that establish a sense of psychological closeness or distance (Burgoon Le Poire, 1999, p.108), such as touch and proximity. Expressivity includes vocal variety, facial expressions, or any such behavior that makes a communication style more animated. Behaviors that signal attentiveness to another individual are related to altercentrism, and behaviors of conversation management promote smooth communication. Relaxation includes postural asymmetry, absence of adaptor gestures, and absence o f nervous vocalizations (Burgoon Le Poire, 1999, p.108) and lastly, smiling, nodding, and facial pleasantness are behaviors of positivity (Burgoon Le Poire, 1999). The relational messages of intimacy, dominance, composure, and formality frame the nonverbal cues that a partner sends. Burgoon and Le Poire (1999) state that these messages make an impact on current and future interpersonal judgments of a romantic partner, including judgments of rapport, likeability, honesty, and power. Relational messages of intimacy include themes of affection, immediacy, trust, receptivity, depth, and similarity or their opposites toward a relational partner. Intimacy is greatly associated with nonverbal cues of positivity, which express messages of warmth, affiliation, and rapport. Dominance is a composite of conversational control, assertiveness, power, and persuasiveness or their opposites, such as submissiveness and modesty. It can be expressed by both highly immediate and nonimmediate behaviors, as well as holding the conversational floor for a longer period of time and frequently interrupting another individual. Composure includes expressions of arousal and tension or relaxation, as well as composure that are tied to the relationship. For greater composure, behaviors of high immediacy, positivity, and relaxation are used. Finally, formality includes maintaining a polite and formal demeanor or allowing casualness into the relationship. Greater formality is expressed through nonimmediacy, inexpressivity, nonrelaxation, and absence of positivity (Burgoon Le Poire, 1999, p.109). In a study conducted for better understanding individuals perceptions of relational messages, Burgoon and Le Poire (1999) found that higher perceived intimacy was associated with higher immediacy, greater expressivity, greater proxemic involvement, better conversation management, moderate relaxation, and higher positivity. Greater dominance was expressed by higher immediacy, greater expressivity, greater proxemic involvement, more fluent speech, greater relaxation, and greater positivity. Composure was associated with greater immediacy, greater expressivity, greater proxemic involvement, fluent speech, greater relaxation, and higher positivity. Finally, higher formality was conveyed through less immediacy, reduced expressivity, less proxemic involvement, less fluent speech, less relaxation, and less positivity. Past research suggests that romantic partners expect their interactions with their partners to be more involved and pleasant, and thus the behaviors are more positively valenced (Guerrero Jones, 2000). So what happens to relationship satisfaction when that expectation is violated? Willis and Briggs (1992) have noted that when only one relational partner engages in touch, the other individual is perceived as being nonintimate and cold. This negative perception of the other individual, which is the result of a nonimmediacy violation, could cause partner satisfaction to decrease. Comparatively, Burgoon and Hale (1988) found that nonimmediacy violations for friends produced lower ratings on competence, character, sociability, and also produced lower ratings on attractiveness of the other individual. Also, it has been shown that as relational satisfaction decreased, the behaviors are seen as more controllable, stable, and intentional (Manusov, 1990). Therefore, it is apparent that this c ould be the same result for individuals in romantic relationships, and that this perception of the other individual could lead to a change in relationship satisfaction. Nonverbals in Intimate Relationships Guerrero and Jones (2000) suggest that when behaviors deviate so far from what is expected, they become unacceptable and result in large behavioral changes. These changes lead to substantial arousal change, dislike, and avoidance. Obviously, these behavioral changes in response to a relational partner would be detrimental to maintaining the relationship. In addition, the researchers found that romantic couples generally reciprocate the behaviors of their partners for both increases and decreases in intimacy. Therefore, if a partner is showing behaviors of less intimacy by not using touch, the other partner would use less touch behaviors as well. Overtime, the increase in the use of negative nonverbal behaviors, or the lack of using expected nonverbal behaviors, could alter each partners relationship satisfaction. Similar research has been done on touch behaviors in romantic dyads. However, very few studies have focused on the expectations of touch and how touch expectancy violations affect relationship satisfaction for romantic relationships. Past research has included age differences, contextual differences, and gender differences for touch. Research has also focused on relationship-stage differences, with a focus mainly on marital relationships. Studies have shown that married couples rely on nonverbal cues when communicating intimately and sexually. Also, differences in expressing affection between premarital and marital period suggest that affection becomes less physical (Mohen, 1993). However, in serious, dating, and marital relationships, it was found that touch increases as the relationship develops and progresses (Guerrero Andersen, 1994). Gender Differences in Nonverbal Communication Inevitably, various gender differences have been studied in nonverbal communication. Many studies find similar results, but there are mixed findings. Studies have shown that males and females differ in their use of nonverbal behaviors when comforting another individual (Dolin Booth-Butterfield, 1993). Researchers have shown that women rate items concerning nonverbal communication higher than men, that nonverbal communication is perceived as more important for more long lasting relationships, and that individuals in casual-dating relationships perceive nonverbal behavior as not important (Prinsen Punyanunt-Cater, 2009). Nguyen et al. (1975) found that unmarried men and women have different reactions to touch, however Hanzal et al (2008) have shown that men and women in marital relationships have comparable reactions to intimate touch. They also found that married women have more positive reactions to intimate touch than married men, and the trend reverses for unmarried couples. Beca use of the mixed research, it is necessary to take a closer look at the gender differences in the use of and response to touch behaviors in romantic relationships. Sex differences in the perception, expectancy, and use of touch behaviors could be a main cause for nonverbal expectancy violations and inaccurate decoding of nonverbal cues. Women associated more touch with sexual desire and considered it less pleasant or indicative of warmth and love. Men also associated more touch with sexual desire, but viewed the behavior as more pleasant, playful, and indicative of warmth and love. The fact that both genders hold contradictory views on intimate touch could mean that both genders have differing expectations of touch for one another. This could lead to expectancy violations between the partners, which could alter relationship satisfaction. In fact, Hanzal et al. (2007) suggest that it is possible that sex differences in reactions to touch are reflective of differences in feelings about the significant other, or relationship in general (p.32). Decoding Nonverbal Behaviors Floyd and Burgoon (1999) state that negatively misinterpreted nonverbal behaviors are also valenced negatively. This means that errors in decoding the cues can play a major role in determining how a person perceives his or her romantic relationship. For example, if an individual in a romantic relationship does not hold his partners hand as often as he used to, the partner might think he is being distant and cold. The detachment that is now associated with the others behavior could cause the partners satisfaction to decrease. Carton at al. (1999) found that couples who make errors in decoding certain nonverbal cues reported a less well-being of the relationship. Relationship Satisfaction It is obvious that nonverbal behaviors are important for understanding the actual meaning of a partners message. The evaluations of these behaviors are linked to relationship satisfaction. Previous studies have shown that individuals in dating relationships are more aware of the nonverbal cues of others (Fichten, Tagalakis, Judd, Wright, Amsel, 1992). Thus, if individuals are so aware of the nonverbal behaviors of their partners, the way the individual decodes their messages will influence their relationship satisfaction. Manusov et al. (2008) suggested that how positively or negatively one feels about their relationship may influence their evaluation of a behavior. For married couples, studies have shown that accuracy in decoding nonverbal affect was associated with a partners marital satisfaction (Koerner Fitzpatrick, 2002). Therefore, when the intended meaning of a message is accurately decoded, then the relationship has a more positive context. Likewise, Koerner and Fitzpatrick (2002) found that high satisfying relationships provide a framework for more accurate understanding and decoding of nonverbal cues. On the other hand, a decrease in relationship satisfaction can affect the way individuals decode nonverbal cues. Noller and Feeney (1994) found that relationship dissatisfaction in marital relationships leads to distorted perceptions of a partners message. Relationship Turning Points Manusov et al. (2008) argue that the ways one person interprets a nonverbal behavior can cause turning points in a relationship. These turning points are a product of an individuals interpretation that may not have occurred if a different analysis of the nonverbal behavior was made. Graham (1997) defines turning points as changes that happen in a relationship that trigger a reinterpretation of what the relationship means to [the] participants. These new meanings can influence the perceived importance of and justification for continued investment in the relationship (p. 351). This supports the idea that the decoding nonverbal of cues plays a vital role in establishing the current nature of a relationship. For example, interpreting a nonverbal cue positively could cause a relationship to become more serious and intimate, and thus increase relationship satisfaction. However, if one decodes the cue oppositely, it could possibly send the relationship in the opposite direction. They have a lso shown that touch is one of the most frequent nonverbal cues that have been reported as triggers for relationship change (Manusov, Docan-Morgan, Harvey, 2008). This further verifies that touch has a powerful impact on romantic relationships, as well as relationship satisfaction. Many of their findings reflect how behaviors work to shift an individuals view of their relationship with another person. Participants were asked to self report on a nonverbal behavior that they felt altered a relationship for them. After coding the entries, the researchers concluded that each participants recollected nonverbal behavior altered how they defined and viewed their relationship with the other individual. Their findings show that nonverbal behaviors are capable of altering relationship satisfaction. In addition, the results show that touch is one of the main causes for a perceptual shift of another person, as well as a main cause for relationship change (Manusov, Docan-Morgan, Harvey, 2008). Nonverbal Expectancy Violations Theory In order to examine the expectations of touch in romantic relationships, the nonverbal expectancy violations theory is applied to this study. The model states that people hold expectations and preferences about the nonverbal behaviors of other individuals. This is especially so in close, interpersonal relationships because of the known idiosyncrasies of the other individual. Based on the knowledge of the individual, a person will anticipate how the other will behave during interactions and will evaluate the others behaviors. This evaluation, or valence, is the persons approval or disapproval of the others nonverbal behaviors (Burgoon Hale, 1988). For example, if a person expects their romantic partner to hold their hand and the partner performs that behavior, then the nonverbal behavior is positively valenced. In addition, the model is used to predict and explain terminal communication consequences. If the actual (violation) behavior is more positively valenced than the expected behavior(s), a positive violation occurs and should produce more favorable communication outcomes than conforming to the expected (normative) pattern. Conversely, if the actual behavior is more negatively valenced than the expected behavior, a negative violation is said to occur and should yield more negative consequences than conforming to expectations (Burgoon Hale, 1988, p.65). Violations committed by a well-liked person, such as a relational partner, are upheld to higher standards than behaviors used by a stranger. During interactions with their significant other, romantic couples assume that their partners will act differently and more satisfyingly than how they would interact with another person. Therefore, if a relational partner avoids using an expected nonverbal behavior, it could cause the other partner to evaluate the behavior as a more serious negative violation. Also, by simply conforming to social norms, an individual may see that their relational partner has also committed a small, negative violation (Burgoon Hale, 1988). The accumulated research that has been done on this theory has supported a variety of conclusions. Evidence has supported that interactants will develop expectations about the distancing and immediacy behaviors of others, communicator behaviors and characteristics that contribute to interpersonal rewards mediate communication outcomes, and that violations are arousing and distracting. In addition, rewarding communicators frequently increase the most favorable communication outcomes by violating expectancies, and nonrewarding communicators frequently increase their optimal communication outcomes by conforming to distance expectancies for conversational distance. Finally, for eye gaze, evidence has supported that rewarding communicators achieve greatest attraction, credibility, and endorsement by engaging in nearly continuous gaze or normal gaze, while gaze aversion produces negative consequences (Burgoon Hale, 1988). The nonverbal expectancy violations theory has also been used in co mparison with other theories, such as the interaction adaptation theory (Le Poire Yoshimura, 1999) and has been extended to immediacy violations and to interactions among strangers and friends (Burgoon Hale, 1988). Overall, this review has shown that touch is an important nonverbal communicator in romantic relationships and is essential for displaying ones level of affection. Past research has shown that various gender differences exist in the use of, response to, and the perception of touch behaviors. Research has also found that the misinterpretation of nonverbal behaviors causes a decrease in relationship satisfaction. However, research has mainly focused on married couples and has not focused on the expectations of touch in romantic relationships. The expectancy violations model advocates that when our expectations are met, the other persons behavior is judged positively and when our expectations are not met, the behaviors are judged negatively. Because of this model, the examination of how the violations of the expectations affect an individuals perception of relationship satisfaction is necessary. Logical reasoning would be to address the gender differences in the expectations of touch in romantic relationships as well as its affect on relationship satisfaction because of the past findings. This study will examine how the violations of the expectations affect an individuals perception of relationship satisfaction. The following research questions are posed: Findings have shown that touch is an important nonverbal communicator in romantic relationships. It is known that various gender differences exist in the use and perception of touch behaviors. However, research has not examined the differences in the expectations of touch in romantic relationships. Because past research has focused mainly on the use of touch in marital relationships, it is necessary to observe the use of touch in dating relationships. The proposed research study will add to our understanding of how expectancy violations can alter relationship satisfaction for individuals in romantic relationships. Examining the gender differences in the expectations of touch will allow individuals to be more understanding of their partners behaviors.