"Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life: A Practical Introduction, Second Edition" is the first communication theory textbook to provide practical material for career-oriented students. The inclusion and analysis of real-world case studies illustrate the application of theory in a variety of professional settings. Whereas other communication theory texts have a more academic focus on theory or research methods, this book is specifically designed to introduce communication theory in a tangible way. The featured theories are those that have strong pragmatic value and clear applicability to communication and business practitioners. Particular emphasis is placed on theories of intrapersonal communication, interpersonal interaction, intercultural encounters, persuasion, leadership, group communication, organizational behavior, and mass communication.

Table of Contents

Preface Acknowledgments 1. Introduction to Communication Theory What Is Communication? What Is Theory? Evaluating Theory Chapter Summary Case Study 1: Evaluating Groupthink 2. 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 Case Study 2: The Development of Attribution Theory 3. Explaining Theories of Cognition and Intrapersonal Communication The Cognitive Process Message Design Logics Communication Accomodation Theory Uncertainty Reduction Theory Expectancy Violations Theory Chapter Summary Case Study 3: Caught in Between 4. Explaining Theories of Interpersonal Communication Interpersonal Communication Defined Politeness Theory Social Exchange Theory Dialectical Perspective Communication Privacy Management Theory Chapter Summary Case Study 4: With a Friend Like This ... 5. Explaining Theories of Group Communication Group Communication Defined Systems Perspective Interaction Process Analysis/SYMLOG Symbolic Convergence Theory Functional Group Decision-Making Theory Chapter Summary Case Study 5: Dr. Devil and the Doomsday Assignment 6. Explaining Theories of Organizational Communication Organizational Communication Defined Organizational Culture Organizational Assimilation Theory Organizational Indentification and Control Organizing Theory Chapter Summary Case Study 6: Losing Hope 7. 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 Case Study 7: The Database Dilemma 8. Explaining Theories of Leadership Leadership Defined Likert's Four Systems Transformational Leadership Contingency Model Leader-Member Exchange Chapter Summary Case Study 8: eXtreme Confusion at ECX 9. Explaining Theories of Mediated Communication Mass Communication Versus Mediated Communication Media Richness Theory Uses and Gratifications Theory Agenda-Setting Theory Cultivation Theory Chapter Summary Case Study 9: Casino Controversy 10. 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 11. So What Should a Communicator Do? Return to Communication Competence Conclusions About Communication Conclusions About Influences/Effects Chapter Summary Case Study 11: Arguments at Amazing Adventures References Index About the Author

Author Biography

Marianne Dainton (MA, PhD, The Ohio State University; BA, Villanova University) is a professor of communication at La Salle University in Philadelphia. She teaches communication theory, interpersonal communication, group communication, and organizational communication. Marianne's research focuses on communication that facilitates relationship maintenance. She has published in Communication Monographs, the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Family Relations, and Communication Quarterly, among others. She has also published numerous book chapters and is the co-editor (with Daniel Canary) of Maintaining Relationships Through Communication. Elaine D. Zelley (MA, PhD, The Pennsylvania State University; BA, Ursinus College) is an associate professor of communication at La Salle University in Philadelphia. She teaches communication theory, interpersonal communication, group communication, and communication ethics. Elaine's research also focuses broadly on the communication of relationship maintenance. She is particularly interested in women's friendships and the messages used to sustain such relationships. She has also coauthored several book chapters dealing with the topics of relationship maintenance and friendship.