A study examined the types of communication technologies being used by United States-based corporations with operations in Mexico to determine the challenges these companies face when communicating across the border. A total of 703 U.S. corporations doing business with Mexico (culled from lists in two professional directories) were chosen for the…

To assess the communication practices of not-for-profit (NFP) agencies, a study conducted a local survey of 105 NFP organizations in Cleveland, Ohio, in the spring of 1987, specifically examining their public relations activities and campaigns which manage and diffuse information about NFPs to the larger community. First, a focus group sample of…

After defining and describing communication from a cultural perspective, this paper then proposes two areas--shared meaning and shared identity--as being relevant in and rich for communication inquiry. The paper addresses these two areas by (1) specifying assumptions for a cultural perspective on communication, (2) defining culture as a…

A study to determine the communication needs and activities of a variety of organizations was conducted by interviewing representatives of ten organizations ranging in size from a staff of two to an international staff of 25,000 persons. The in-depth interviews were designed to gain information about the nature of the organization and the…

Provides strong support for the hypothesis that as communication reticence increases, expectations of success in communication situations decreases. Investigates the predictive utility of employing multiple measures of reticence as compared to single operationalizations. (NKA)

Analyzes results from 38 distraction studies. Concludes it is necessary to distinguish between communication-relevant and communication-irrelevant distractors. Suggests the effect of communication-irrelevant distractors on attitude change is minor. (MS)

Examines the effectiveness of rhetoritherapy as a treatment for individuals with communication difficulties. Finds that performance-based communication training is effective in decreasing communication apprehension and problems communicating and in increasing other-perceived talkativeness. Reports that rhetoritherapy may be a more effective…

Investigates the perceptual congruence of superiors and subordinates concerning both upward and downward communication between the two groups. Finds that managers perceived themselves to be much more adequate in communication than did their own subordinates. Suggests that several factors may influence the perceptual incongruence, including…

Interviews farmers in Moshavim, Israel, to examine the need for efficient written communication channels between agricultural extension services and small farmers. Identifies the main problems as a weak distribution system and the necessity for authors of extension pamphlets and brochures to consider the special needs of small farmers. (KEH)

Distinguishes between medical interaction and health communication, maintaining that the latter is found in four major determinants of American health: individual behavior, social relationships, physical environment, and economic status. Argues that the chief malady of low-income people is powerlessness, and asserts that they must be empowered to…

Investigates whether variations in five audience characteristics (size, status, familiarity, similarity, and behavior) are related to audience anxiety. Supports the contention that the effect of situational factors are greatly tempered by an individual's predisposition to respond anxiously. Discusses instructional implications of these findings.…

Presents a follow-up study to further assess the extent to which reticent participants subscribe to beliefs outlined in prior research and to further test the ability of the Penn State program to alter those beliefs. Reveals significant pretreatment differences between reticent and comparison group participants on 7 of 16 beliefs. Shows…

Presents a theoretical statement on the nature of reticence that affirms, in part, Gerald M. Phillips' conceptualization in prior research but, grounded in new empirical data, refines and revises the construct. Proposes a new definition and a six-component model of reticence. Discusses theoretical and treatment implications. (SR)

Tests the effects of relationship and politeness on perceived regard for face and advice effectiveness among undergraduate students. Finds that regard for positive face is associated with the perceived effectiveness, appropriateness, helpfulness, and sensitivity of advice given; however, the factors normally expected to account for perceived…

Develops the theme of interactional asymmetry by bringing into focus a hierarchical context of a single employer-employee conversation. Argues that the asymmetrical dynamics of a workplace interaction are revealed better when captured in terms of discursively produced selves as opposed to given identities. (RS)