'This text is indicative of the maturing of our discipline - if communication is truly constitutive of social reality, as we believe it is - then communication should be presented as something more than just another variable among many others that effect organizational life. This is an opportunity to finally provide a text that recognizes the centrality of human communication in all interpersonal and organizational contexts' - G.L. Forward, Point Loma Nazarene University. 'The case studies make this text most distinctive. They are relevant, require students to apply the theories to real-life situations, and provide students with an opportunity to realize the application of theory in a safe environment. Unlike many texts which are primarily intended to be read, "Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life" serves as a framework for student participation and a catalyst for classroom discussion' - Wallace Schmidt, Rollins College."Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life" is the first communication theory textbook to provide practical material for career-oriented students. The inclusion and analysis of real-world case studies illustrate the application of theory in a variety of professional settings. Whereas other communication theory texts have a more academic focus on theory or research methods, "Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life" is specifically designed to introduce communication theory in a tangible way. The featured theories are those that have strong pragmatic value and clear applicability to communication and business practitioners. Particular emphasis is placed on theories of intrapersonal communication, interpersonal interaction, intercultural encounters, persuasion, leadership, group communication, organizational behavior, and mass communication.This textbook covers theories that have clear applicability to communication and business practitioners. Each chapter details theories dealing with a specific domain of communication, followed by a real-life case study that effectively illustrates the practicality and value of those theories. Charts and models highlight the central concepts of each theory presented. A 'Synthesis' chapter identifies common themes that emerge when looking at the similarities and differences among the theories and clarifies these themes within the framework of communication competence."Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life" is recommended as the core text for upper-level undergraduate or graduate communication theory courses. It is also appropriate as a supplementary text for courses in communication, business and psychology. Marianne Dainton is Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at La Salle University, where she is a recipient of the Roland Holroyd Award for Distinguished Teaching and Service. She received her Ph.D. from Ohio State University in 1994, and has published extensively in research journals in the field of communication. Elaine D Zelley is Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at La Salle University. She received her Ph.D. from Penn State University in 2000. In addition to teaching, she also served as team facilitator at the Smeal College of Management and Business Administration at Penn State.