Work Communication

"I am of course familiar with the author's previous text - 'Interactive Behaviour at Work'. I have recommended the text as optional reading across a number of my courses at both undergraduate and masters level. Her general style and approach in that text is clear, succinct, authoritative and in general an excellent guide to the area. At the University of Ulster interpersonal communication is taught on a wide range of courses. Further to modules taught within the School of Communication colleagues in the Ulster Business School teach a number of modules that include a high level of the topic within them. Other colleagues in professions allied to medicine (podiatry, radiography and nursing for example) also include modules on professional communication skills. I would view the level and approach as appropriate given the aims and objectives of the project. In my view the main users of the text will tend to be non-specialists in communication or even in social psychology and thus will have limited exposure to many of the underlying theory and concepts that underpin the domain. In addition there is a very useful market in working professionals interested in self-development of their communication skills or as part of short-courses for professional groups. The inclusion of integrated material on mediated communication adds to the attractiveness of the proposed text to these groups. I would confidently predict the text would be written in a manner attractive to students. The author presents complex material in an accessible yet authoritative manner and students find the structure and organisation of the material scaffolds their learning very effectively. I would certainly consider adopting the book. In conclusion I think the project is highly timely. I have a few reservations but this exceptionally gifted author can meet these and I look forward to the appearance of the text." -Fred Morrison, Ulster University, UK
"There is a Level 5 Compulsory Module ( 1 semester) on Business Communication delivered to all Business Management and Event Management students. I think from its description it will be very comprehensive and applicable to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. From previous experience of the author's work I think it will be very intelligible to all students. I am particularly pleased to see an emphasis upon the 'real' work place and the use of CMC in its various forms. This and the theoretical backing is very important in teaching this subject today. I would wish to adopt it as it appears closer than most to the course we actually teach at Winchester." - Mike Davies, University of Winchester, UK
"We don't teach interpersonal communication, but we should. Members of my staff have urged me to broaden our 'Managerial Communication' course to include more than just traditional written reports, and they're right: interpersonal communication happens a lot more often than written communication. What I like best are those parts of the book that actually offer useful advice. Chapter Eight seems to me the best and most applicable of them all telling which kind of interpersonal communication one can use for which purposes and with what consequences. The author has done a thorough job of identifying competing texts; I have nothing to add to the list. I am also deeply impressed with her survey of existing courses at universities. She has done her homework admirably in these respects." -Carter Daniel, Rutgers University, USA
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