Impoliteness in Administrative Staff - Student interaction in Delta State Polytechnics, Nigeria

Abstract

Impoliteness is a pervasive issue in many social contexts: understanding its dynamics and consequences can inform strategies for improvement in various setting hence, this study examined impoliteness in Face-to-Face interaction of administrative staff and students in Delta State polytechnics. Data for the study was collected through direct observation and interviews. The research investigated cases of impolite interaction between administrative staff and students of Delta state Polytechnics. Grounded on Spencer-Oatey’s (2008) Rapport Management Theory, the employs the content analysis method to qualitative research. The finding reveals significant differences in impoliteness perceptions between staff and students, with students experiencing more impoliteness in academic contexts. The study recommended strategies for promoting politeness and respect in interaction in the polytechnics.