Fundamentals of Organizational Communication: Knowledge, Sensitivity, Skills, Values

With a blend of theory, analysis and practice, Fundamentals of Organizational Communication presents a unique competency-based approach incorporating personal knowledge, interpersonal sensitivity and ethical values. This Eighth Edition provides an extensive introduction into the major organizational communication issues, theories and skills; enabling the reader to immediately graps and apply the concepts presented.

This text presents the concepts of organizational communication within a unique competency- based approach that incorporates personal knowledge, interpersonal sensitivity, communication skills, and ethical values. Blending theory, analysis, and practice more extensively than any other text on the market, Fundamentals of Organizational Communication provides an introduction to major organizational communication issues and theories, as well as an immediate application of the concepts presented.

New and Enduring Features

• A chapter on organizational change and communication has been added, giving the topic the individual attention and focus it needs and allowing for better understanding and discussion among students (Chapter 11).
• A new section focusing on crisis communication has been added. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks many organizations are looking at their crisis communication plans to be sure that they can handle a crisis requiring major strategic communication efforts.
• New cases and essays have been added to increase the understanding of theory.
• The competency-based approach integrates theory with opportunities for critical thinking and skill development.
• Original cases in each chapter and in the “Putting It All Together” sections give students opportunities to apply theory and concepts to real situations. Additional cases in the Instructor's Manual also can be used for class discussion and testing.
• A global focus throughout the text assists students in preparing for the changing nature of the workplace.
• Comprehensive coverage of major issues—including organizational conflict, leadership, values, diversity, technology, and ethical behavior—offers students a thorough introduction to the current field of organizational communication.

Praise for Fundamentals of Organizational Communication

“This text is current and uses relevant real-world examples, and as a former business manager and consultant for over twenty years, I found the currency to be lacking in many other books.”
Sue Easton, Rollins College

“Personally, I am a great fan of the author and find her articles and scholarly work to be stimulating and leading edge—I found [her text] to be the same way.”
Sue Easton, Rollins College