Now in its fifth edition, Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life is the first communication theory textbook to provide practical material for career-oriented students. Featuring new case studies, updated examples, and the latest research, authors Marianne Dainton and Elaine D. Zelley introduce communication theory in a way that helps students understand its importance to careers in communication and business. Real-world case studies within each chapters are designed for in-class use to illustrate the application of theory in a variety of professional settings. The Fifth edition features eight new theories, a new chapter on theories of strategic communication, and expanded discussions of mediated communication theories.
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.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Communication Theory Chapter 2: Theory Development Chapter 3: Cognition and Intrapersonal Communication Chapter 4: Interpersonal Communication Chapter 5: Culture Chapter 6: Persuasion Chapter 7: Strategic Communication Chapter 8: Group Communication Chapter 9: Organizational Communication Chapter 10: Mass Communication Chapter 11: Mediated Communication Chapter 12: What Should a Communicator Do?
"A very practical book that focuses on application. It has clear and easy to follow descriptions of a wide variety of theories. And the case studies are useful in helping to see how many theories can be applied to one situation." -- Bradford Hall "It provides breadth with many theories related to most areas of communication. There are clear explanations of the theories with examples for students." -- Frances L. M. Smith "This book provides a broad introduction to the field of communication by providing the student with 4 varied theories per chapter. It is comprehensive, yet clearly written so that each theory can be well understood." -- Erin Christie
