Listening: Processes, Functions, and Competency

Listening: Processes, Functions, and Competency, Second Edition explores the role of listening as an essential element in human communication. The book addresses listening as a cognitive process, as a social function, and as a critical professional competency. Blending theory with practical application, Listening builds knowledge, insight, and skill to help the reader achieve the desired outcome of effective listening. This second edition introduces listening as a goal-directed activity and has been expanded to include a new chapter addressing listening in mediated contexts. Theory and research throughout the text have been updated, and the final chapter covers new research methodologies and contexts, including fMRI, aural architecture, and music.

Debra L. Worthington, Professor of Communication at Auburn University, is a past president of the International Listening Association. Reflecting her interest in listening research, she is the co-editor of The Sourcebook of Listening Research: Methodology &Measures (2017). Other research has examined factors affecting listening processes, including listening style and mobile technology.

Margaret Fitch-Hauser, Associate Professor Emeritus of Communication at Auburn University, is a past editor of the International Journal of Listening (Taylor & Francis). Her research has explored listening fidelity, information distortion, and the effect of schemata on the listening process. She has authored a textbook on business writing, multiple book chapters, cases studies and numerous scholastic papers.