The first communication theory text to provide practical information for career-oriented students
"My students' feedback has been so positive, without me asking what they think of the text, that I believe I'd be crazy not to use the new Second Edition." —Erin C. B. Bentley, West Virginia Wesleyan College
"I like how I can adapt this book to my teaching style and the needs of my students. Unlike many theory books, this one does not intimidate undergrad students!" —Ronald Fetzer, Miami University of Ohio
Featuring eleven new case studies, updated examples, and the latest research, this Second Edition of Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life introduces communication theory in a way that helps students understand its importance to careers in communication and business. Concise, practical, and reader-friendly, this book offers succinct coverage of most major theories, including theories of intrapersonal communication, interpersonal interaction, intercultural encounters, persuasion, leadership, group communication, organizational behavior, and mass communication. Real-world case studies for in-class use illustrate the application of theory in a variety of professional settings and can easily be expanded into writing assignments.
New and Proven Features
- Provides eleven new case studies and updated examples throughout that involve students in applying theory to real-life situations
- Includes the latest research on the efficacy of each theory
- Focuses on a particular theory in each chapter, followed by a real-life case study that illustrates the theory's practicality in communication or business settings
- Uses charts and models to highlight the central concepts of each theory presented
- Includes a unique synthesis chapter that identifies common themes among theories and clarifies these themes within the framework of communication competence
Instructor Resources
Revised and expanded password-protected Instructor Resources are available at www.sagepub.com/dainton2einstr and include sample syllabi, a test bank, PowerPoint slides, additional case studies, and in-class activities/topics for discussion, as well as additional cases from the First Edition.
Intended Audience
This book is ideal for use as a core text for upper-level courses in Communication Theory, as found in departments of Communication Studies, Public Relations, Advertising, Journalism, and Mass Communication. It is also appropriate as a supplementary text for courses in Business, Education, and Psychology.
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.
