Applied Organizational Communication

Book excerpt: This volume bridges the gap between practicing organizational communication consultants, organizational communication courses, and the student. Combining theory with actual applied communication practices, the text is based on the integration of perspectives, principles, and pragmatics rather than case studies and insights. In-depth examination is provided for verbal and nonverbal communication, channels, networks, listening, symbolic behavior, interpersonal and small group communication, leadership, conflict management, motivation, and new communication technologies. The coverage is current, incorporating vital organizational issues such as empowering, self-directed work units, and human-computer interfaces. Applied Organizational Communicationprovides a thorough analysis of the forces and influences in organizational communication. This text: *explains the impact of critical environmental influences on all levels; *provides extensive discussion of teams, leadership, technology, listening, and interpersonal communication; *offers current analysis, utilizing a broad base of information and research; and *Establishes links between organizational communication and perceptions, theory, networks, and symbolic behavior. Building on the successful foundation of the first volume, this second edition has been thoroughly revised, reflecting the current state of organizational communication theory and research. Highlights of this edition include: *extensive topical coverage; *integrated discussion of change, diversity, and digital age issues in all chapters; *updated analysis of major issues and influences in organizational communication; and *real-world examples. As an accessible and practical examination of organizational communication, this textbook is an excellent course text and serves as a valuable resource. It is intended for use in organizational communication, leadership, organizational development, and organizational intervention courses at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels.