Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life

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; communication ethics; interpersonal communication; organizational communication; group communication; and sex, gender, and communication. Elaine’s interests focus broadly on women’s roles and relationships including in the workplace and friendships. She was recently a contributing researcher for a collaborative census report on The Gender Gap in Nonprofit Boardrooms. She has also developed pedagogical expertise in curriculum assessment and in understanding by design (UbD). She has published in Communication Yearbook and has also coauthored several book chapters dealing with the topics of relationship maintenance, friendship, and competition.

Preface
Acknowledgments
CHAPTER 1. Introduction to Communication Theory
Learning Objectives
What Is Communication?
Dance’s Definitions of Communication
Contexts of Communication
Communication Competence
Concepts, Models, and Theories
Three Types of Theory
Evaluating Theory
Summary
Key Terms
CHAPTER 2. Theory Development
Learning Objectives
Theory–Research Link
What Is Research?
Research Methods in Communication
Social Science and the Humanities
How Theories Change and Grow
Summary
Key Terms
CHAPTER 3. Cognition and Intrapersonal Communication
Learning Objectives
Cognitive Process
Attribution Theory
Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Expectancy Violations Theory
Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Summary and Research Applications
Key Terms
CHAPTER 4. Individual and Social Approaches to Communication
Learning Objectives
Nature Versus Nurture
Social Role Theory of Gender
Emotional Intelligence and Transformational Leadership
Message Design Logics
Interactional Perspective on Workplace Generations
Summary and Research Applications
Key Terms
CHAPTER 5. Interpersonal Communication
Learning Objectives
Interpersonal Communication Defined
Politeness Theory
Social Exchange Theory
Dialectical Perspective
Communication Privacy Management Theory
Summary and Research Applications
Key Terms
CHAPTER 6. Culture
Learning Objectives
Culture Defined
Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
Communication Accommodation Theory
Anxiety/Uncertainty Management Theory
Conflict Face Negotiation Theory
Summary and Research Applications
Key Terms
CHAPTER 7. Persuasion
Learning Objectives
Persuasion Defined
Elaboration Likelihood Model
Theory of Planned Behavior
Inoculation Theory
Narrative Paradigm
Summary and Research Applications
Key Terms
CHAPTER 8. Group Communication
Learning Objectives
Group Communication Defined
Functional Group Decision Making
Groupthink
Adaptive Structuration Theory
Symbolic Convergence Theory
Summary and Research Applications
Key Terms
CHAPTER 9. Organizational Communication
Learning Objectives
Organizational Communication Defined
Systems Metaphor
Organizational Culture
Organizational Assimilation
Organizational Identification and Control
Organizing Theory
Summary and Research Applications
Key Terms
CHAPTER 10. Mediated Communication
Learning Objectives
What Is Social Media?
Diffusion of Innovations
Social Network Analysis
Media Richness Theory
Uses and Gratifications Theory
Summary and Research Applications
Key Terms
CHAPTER 11. Mass Communication
Learning Objectives
Characteristics of Mass Media
Agenda-Setting Theory
Cultivation Theory
Social Cognitive Theory of Mass Communication
Encoding/Decoding Theory
Summary and Research Applications
Key Terms
CHAPTER 12. What Should a Communicator Do?
Learning Objectives
Conclusions About Communication
Conclusions About Influences and Effects
Returning to Communication Competence
Summary
Glossary
References
About the Authors
Index