Provides students with a clear introduction to the discipline. After introducing important communication paradigms in a reader-friendly way, the text covers key areas in the field, including identity, employee health, gender and cultural difference, work/life balance and leadership.
Case Studies link theory with practice. One to three case studies in every chapter — several new to this edition — challenge students to put what they’ve learned into practice. Questions for class discussions follow each case study.
"What Would You Do?"
boxes allow students to appreciate complex ethical decision-making, presenting them with dilemmas they may well face in their lives as students and employees.
"Everyday Organizational Communication" boxes show students how organizational theory is already at work in their lives. From scientific management at the gym to creativity and constraint in online dating, students will recognize the relevance of the material to life outside the classroom.
"Field Guide to Studying Organizations" introduces basic observational methods to prepare students to assess real-life organizational problems. A primer on conducting such research, this appendix describes a step-by-step process for planning, researching, participating in, and writing a qualitative analysis of an organization’s communication practices.