Uncertainty Reduction Theory

== Acronym ==
URT
== Alternate name(s) ==
N/A
== Main dependent construct(s)/factor(s) ==
Trust
== Main independent construct(s)/factor(s) ==
Passive, Active, Interactive
== Concise description of theory ==
Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT; Berger 1979; Berger and Calabrese 1975) emphasizes that during initial interactions, individuals focus primarily on reducing uncertainty about their own and their partner’s behavior. The theory outlines three main strategies people use to gather information and enhance predictability: passive, active, and interactive. Passive strategies involve discreetly observing others to gain insights. Active strategies include seeking information indirectly through third parties or by altering the target’s environment to provoke responses. Interactive strategies involve direct communication, such as asking questions or sharing personal information, to elicit responses. 
== Diagram/schematic of theory ==
n/a
== Originating author(s) ==
Charles R. Berger, and Richard J. Calabrese
== Seminal articles ==
Berger, C. R., and Calabrese, R. J. 1975. “Some Explorations in Initial Interactions and Beyond: Toward a Developmental Theory of Interpersonal Communication,” Human Communication Research (1:2), pp. 99-112.
Berger, C. R. 1979. “Beyond Initial Interaction: Uncertainty, Understanding, and the Development of Interpersonal Relationships,” in Language and Social Psychology, H. Giles and R. S. Clair (eds.), Oxford: Blackwell, pp. 122-144. 
Berger, C. R., and Bradac, J. J. 1982. Language and Social Knowledge: Uncertainty in Interpersonal Relations, London: E. E. Arnold.
== Level of analysis ==
Individual
== External Links ==
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncertainty_Reduction_Theory
== Links from this theory to other theories ==
n/a
== IS articles that use the theory ==
Hong, X., Pan, L., Gong, Y., & Chen, Q. (2023). Robo-advisors and investment intention: A perspective of value-based adoption. Information & Management, 60(6), 103832.
Yan, J. K., Benbya, H., & Leidner, D. E. (2023). Feedback types and users’ behavior in online innovation contests: Evidence of two underlying mechanisms. Information & Management, 60(3), 103755.
Li, Y., Zhou, Y., Ge, L., Chen, R., & Xiong, J. (2023). Toward a campus crisis management system amid the pandemic and beyond. Information & Management, 60(8), 103883.
Cai, J., Ke, D., Wu, J., & Luo, X. R. (2022). Get your report a thumb-up: An empirical investigation on crowd testing. Decision Support Systems, 158, 113781.
Chen, W., Jin, F., & Xue, L. (2022). Flourish or perish? The impact of technological acquisitions on contributions to open-source software. Information Systems Research, 33(3), 867-886.
Srivastava, S. C., & Chandra, S. (2018). Social Presence in Virtual World Collaboration. MIS quarterly, 42(3), 779-A16.
Venkatesh, V., Thong, J. Y., Chan, F. K., & Hu, P. J. (2016). Managing citizens’ uncertainty in e-government services: The mediating and moderating roles of transparency and trust. Information systems research, 27(1), 87-111.
Johnson, A. M., & Lederer, A. L. (2010). CEO/CIO mutual understanding, strategic alignment, and the contribution of IS to the organization. Information & Management, 47(3), 138-149.
== Contributor(s) ==
Vipin Saini, National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan
== Date last updated ==
29/01/2025
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