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The first communication theory text to provide practical information for career-oriented students
“My students’ feedback has been so positive, without me asking what they think of the text, that I believe I’d be crazy not to use the new Second Edition.” -Erin C. B. Bentley, West Virginia Wesleyan College
“I like how I can adapt this book to my teaching style and the needs of my students. Unlike many theory books, this one does not intimidate undergrad students!” -Ronald Fetzer, Miami University of Ohio
Featuring eleven new case studies, updated examples, and the latest research, this Second Edition of Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life introduces communication theory in a way that helps students understand its importance to careers in communication and business. Concise, practical, and reader-friendly, this book offers succinct coverage of most major theories, including theories of intrapersonal communication, interpersonal interaction, intercultural encounters, persuasion, leadership, group communication, organizational behavior, and mass communication. Real-world case studies for in-class use illustrate the application of theory in a variety of professional settings and can easily be expanded into writing assignments.
New and Proven Features
Provides eleven new case studies and updated examples throughout that involve students in applying theory to real-life situations
Includes the latest research on the efficacy of each theory
Focuses on a particular theory in each chapter, followed by a real-life case study that illustrates the theory's practicality in communication or business settings
Uses charts and models to highlight the central concepts of each theory presented
Includes a unique synthesis chapter that identifies common themes among theories and clarifies these themes within the framework of communication competence
Instructor Resources
Revised and expanded password-protected Instructor Resources are available at and include sample syllabi, a test bank, PowerPoint slides, additional case studies, and in-class activities/topics for discussion, as well as additional cases from the First Edition.
Intended Audience
This book is ideal for use as a core text for upper-level courses in Communication Theory, as found in departments of Communication Studies, Public Relations, Advertising, Journalism, and Mass Communication. It is also appropriate as a supplementary text for courses in Business, Education, and Psychology.
| Preface | |
| Acknowledgments | |
| Introduction to Communication Theory | |
| What Is Communication? | |
| What Is Theory? | |
| Evaluating Theory | |
| Chapter Summary | |
| Evaluating Groupthink | |
| Theory Development | |
| The Theory-Research Link | |
| What Is Research? | |
| Research Methods in Communication | |
| Social Science and the Humanities | |
| The Development and Change of Theories | |
| Chapter Summary | |
| The Development of Attribution Theory | |
| Explaining Theories of Cognition and Intrapersonal Communication | |
| The Cognitive Process | |
| Message Design Logics | |
| Communication Accomodation Theory | |
| Uncertainty Reduction Theory | |
| Expectancy Violations Theory | |
| Chapter Summary | |
| Caught in Between | |
| Explaining Theories of Interpersonal Communication | |
| Interpersonal Communication Defined | |
| Politeness Theory | |
| Social Exchange Theory | |
| Dialectical Perspective | |
| Communication Privacy Management Theory | |
| Chapter Summary | |
| With a Friend Like This . . . | |
| Explaining Theories of Group Communication | |
| Group Communication Defined | |
| Systems Perspective | |
| Interaction Process Analysis/SYMLOG | |
| Symbolic Convergence Theory | |
| Functional Group Decision-Making Theory | |
| Chapter Summary | |
| Dr. Devil and the Doomsday Assignment | |
| Explaining Theories of Organizational Communication | |
| Organizational Communication Defined | |
| Organizational Culture | |
| Organizational Assimilation Theory | |
| Organizational Indentification and Control | |
| Organizing Theory | |
| Chapter Summary | |
| Losing Hope | |
| Explaining Theories of Persuasion | |
| Persuasion Defined | |
| Social Judgment Theory | |
| Elaboration Likelihood Model | |
| Theory of Planned Behavior | |
| The Theory of Reasoned Action | |
| Inoculation Theory | |
| Chapter Summary | |
| The Database Dilemma | |
| Explaining Theories of Leadership | |
| Leadership Defined | |
| Likert's Four Systems | |
| Transformational Leadership | |
| Contingency Model | |
| Leader-Member Exchange | |
| Chapter Summary | |
| eXtreme Confusion at ECX | |
| Explaining Theories of Mediated Communication | |
| Mass Communication Versus Mediated Communication | |
| Media Richness Theory | |
| Uses and Gratifications Theory | |
| Agenda-Setting Theory | |
| Cultivation Theory | |
| Chapter Summary | |
| Casino Controversy | |
| Explaining Theories of Culture | |
| Culture Defined | |
| Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions | |
| Gender and Communication: A Two-Culture Perspective | |
| Generations and Communication: Workplace Implications | |
| Face Negotiation Theory | |
| So What Should a Communicator Do? | |
| Return to Communication Competence | |
| Conclusions About Communication | |
| Conclusions About Influences/Effects | |
| Chapter Summary | |
| Arguments at Amazing Adventures | |
| References | |
| Index | |
| About the Author | |
| Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved. |
The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.
The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.
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