Structuration theory (ST) and network analysis are promising approaches for studying the emergence of communication networks. We offer a model that integrates the conceptual richness of structuration with the precision of relevant concepts and mechanisms offered from communication network research. We leverage methodological advancements (i.e.,…

A 2-part study examines the influence of normative messages on college males' hand washing perceptions and behaviors. Study 1 tests for the appropriateness of hand washing as a target of social norms campaigns and tests messages designed to change perceived descriptive norms. Results indicated that hand washing behavior is appropriate for health…

Workplace norms for task completion increasingly value speed and the ability to accomplish multiple tasks at once. This study situates this popularized issue of multitasking within the context of chronemics scholarship by addressing related issues of simultaneity, sequentiality, and speed. Ultimately, we consider 2 multiple-task completion…

This study relies on information theory, social presence, and source credibility to uncover what best helps people grasp the urgency of an emergency. We surveyed a random sample of 1,318 organizational members who received multiple notifications about a large-scale emergency. We found that people who received 3 redundant messages coming through at…

The influence of communication processes on group outcomes is discussed from two perspectives, one in which influence does not exist and one in which influence is central. Formal models for both perspectives are presented as a means of bracketing discussion of the role of communication processes in group outcomes. The implications of these models…

This article explores the relationship between users' interpretations of a new technology and failure of organizational change. I suggest that people form interpretations of a new technology not only based on their conversations with others, but also through their use of technology's material features directly. Through qualitative and quantitative…

Examines how organizational cultures are transmitted and maintained through interactions among organizational members across intergroup boundaries. Surveys workers in international organizations with bicultural workforces. Supports the relationship between communication and cultural transmission. Identifies different types of social influence…

Documents the lack of conceptual frameworks for integrating research on organizational computer-based communications technologies. Formalizes an integrated model for studying computer communication support phenomena in organizations using a knowledge management perspective and set-theoretic notation. Defines two types of communications support…

Examines a critical function of organizations by investigating the stakeholder communication of 66 nonprofit organizations undergoing change. Indicates that implementers generally follow a quid pro quo "matching rule" wherein stakeholders' resource importance serves as the basis on which they are awarded communicative attention. (SG)

Finds that as cashiers displayed more courtesy, customers provided more positive evaluations of service and were ultimately more likely to recommend the store and shop at the store if other stores are closer; but that courteous service did not predict customer helpfulness, and explained relatively little variation overall in outcome variables. (SR)

Examines several factors that are hypothesized to influence the perceptual congruence of organization members (extent to which members agree on their perceptions of the organization's social structure). Proposes that employees' congruence on the organization's social structure is influenced by similarities in formal structure, demographic…

Uses a multisystems theory of organizational communication and a coorientation paradigm to conceptualize which employees of an organization will achieve the highest level of accuracy in communication with an external public. Uses data from a study of a large business firm to test the conceptualization. (JMF)

Proposes a general analytical framework called centering resonance analysis (CRA), a text analysis method suited to studying communication like reports, letters, memos, emails, and transcribed conversations. Illustrates its validity in analyzing conversations in a meeting, comparison to human readings of interview texts, and uncovering structure…

This study examined pilots' (N at T1 = 140; N at T2 = 126; N at T3 = 104) reactions to communication and uncertainty during the acquisition of their airline by another airline. Quantitative results indicate that communication helped to reduce uncertainty and was predictive of affective responses to the acquisition. However, contrary to…