Communication & Human Behavior
Edition: 7
Copyright: 2020
Pages: 390
Edition: 7
Copyright: 2020
Pages: 390
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A knowledge of human behavior helps us understand ourselves, our actions, our motives, our feelings, and our aspirations…
Communication and Human Behavior portrays a broad and colorful landscape of the field, outlines the history of communication study, and focuses on communication as a basic life process that is necessary to our lives as individuals and to our relationships, groups, organizations, cultures, and societies.
Communication and Human Behavior by Brent Ruben and Lea Stewart:
- integrates up-to-date examples and research findings throughout, including persuasion, interpersonal relationships, organizational communication and leadership, 21st century careers, useful information about Middle Eastern culture, contemporary social media use, and more.
- examines the role of communication in multiple contexts of human life, including individual relationships, groups, organizations, cultural/intercultural frameworks, and public and mass communication.
- is expansive yet integrated, rigorous yet readable, and fuses theory and practice.
CHAPTER 1: Why We Study Communication
Importance of Studying Communication
Communication Is Complex
Communication Is Vital to Workplace Effectiveness
A Higher Education Does Not Ensure Communication Competence
Communication Is a Valuable Discipline
Theories: Guides for Analysis and Action
Personal Theories
Scholarly Theories
Combining Personal and Scholarly Theories
Defining Communication
Level of Observation
The Question of Intent
Point of View
The Issue of Outcomes
Fundamentals of Communication
Communication Is a Process
Communication Is Essential for Individuals, Relationships, Groups, Organizations, and Societies
Communication Involves Responding to and Creating Messages
Communication Involves Adapting to People and the Environment
Communication: Our Definition
Goals of Communication and Human Behavior
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 2: Communication Past and Present
Ancient Roots of Communication Study
Rhetoric and Speech
Origins of Communication Theory: Early Greece
17th–19th Centuries
Journalism
Early 20th Century: Development of Speech and Journalism
The 1940s–1960s: Interdisciplinarity
Lasswell’s View of Communication
Shannon and Weaver’s Model
Katz and Lazarsfeld’s Model
Westley and MacLean’s Model
The 1970s–1980s: Growth and Specialization
The 1990s–The Present Period: Digital Media and The Information-Everywhere Age
Information as a Commodity
Converging Media
Communication Study Today
Ancient and Newly Emergent
Discipline and Interdisciplinary Link
Personal and Professional Applicability
Old and New Technology
Problem and Solution
Practical Skill and Fundamental Life Process
The Evolution of Theory
Communication Theory Today
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 3: Communication as a Basic Life Process
Beyond S → M → R = E: The Adaptation Perspective
Communication Processes in Animals and Humans
Communication Modes
Visual Messages
Tactile Messages
Olfactory and Gustatory Messages
Auditory Messages
Basic Life Functions of Communication
Courtship and Mating
Reproduction
Parent-Offspring Relations and Socialization
Navigation
Self-Defense
Territoriality
The Communication Iceberg
The Visibility and Invisibility of Human Communication
Visible Aspects of Communication
People
Symbols
Technology
Invisible Aspects of Communication
Meaning
Learning
Subjectivity
Negotiation
Culture
Interacting Contexts and Levels
Self-Reference
Self-Reflexivity
Ethics
Inevitability
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 4: Nonverbal Communication
Similarities Between Nonverbal and Verbal Communication
Rule-Governed
Intentionality
Common Message Functions
Persuasion and Social Influence
Differences Between Nonverbal and Verbal Communication
Awareness and Attention
Overt and Covert Rules
Control
Public versus Private Status
Hemispheric Specialization
Paralanguage
Vocalic Forms
Written Forms
The Face
Eye Gaze
Pupil Dilation
The Body
Hair
Physique
Dress and Adornment
Artifacts
Gestures (Kinesics)
Inherited, Discovered, Imitated, and Trained Actions
Types of Gestures
Touch (Haptics)
Use of Space (Proxemics)
The Physical Environment
Time (Chronemics)
Timing
Timeliness
Messages and Meanings: Ms ≠ Mr
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 5: Verbal Communication
Message Production
Encoding and Decoding
Message- Versus Meaning-Centered Models of Communication
The Nature of Language
Cognitive Factors
Acquiring Our Language Capability
Representation
Language and Reality
Limitations of Language for Representation
Conversation
Negotiation of Meanings
Rules and Rituals
Gendered Language
Content and Relationship
Metacommunication
Microaggressions
Difficult Conversations
Persuasion and Social Influence
Compliance-Gaining
Social Influence
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 6: Perception & Information Processing
Selection
Interpretation
Retention (Memory)
Short-Term and Long-Term Memory
Semantic and Episodic Memory
Receiver Influences
Needs
Attitudes, Beliefs, and Values
Goals
Capability
Use
Communication Style
Experience and Habit
Message and Information Influences
Origin
Mode
Physical Characteristics
Organization
Novelty
Source Influences
Proximity
Physical and Social Attraction and Similarity
Credibility and Authoritativeness
Motivation and Intent
Delivery
Status, Power or Authority, and Peer Pressure
Technological and Environmental Influences
Technology
The Environment
Consistency and Competition
An Active and Complex Process
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 7: Mediated Communication
The Tool-Making Animal
Communication Technology and Its Functions
Production and Distribution
Reception, Storage, and Retrieval
Types of Media
Evolution of Communication Media
Communication Technology in Everyday Life
Technological Convergence
Increasing Number of Messages and Media
New Technology Means More Messages and New Communication Literacy Needs
Substituting Communication for Transportation
Evolving Concepts of Office and Home
Increasing Value of Information as a Commodity
Increasing Availability of Synthetic Experience
Understanding Media Influence
Cues-Filtered-Out Theories
Social Influence Theory
Adaptive Structuration Theory
Aspects of Mediated Communication
Synchronicity
Interactivity
Control of Content
Anonymity
Responsibility and Accountability
Sense of Place
Communication Technology and the Quality of Life
Media Forms
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 8: The Individual: Identity and The Self
Reaction, Action, and Interaction
Cognitive Development
Learning
Characteristics of Personal Representations
Self-Development
Stress and Growth
Self-Expression
Emotional Intelligence
Self-Awareness
Self-Reflexiveness and Self-Monitoring
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 9: Interpersonal Communication and Relationships
Interpersonal Communication and Relationships
Types of Relationships
Dyadic and Triadic Relationships
Task and Social Relationships
Short- and Long-Term Relationships
Casual and Intimate Relationships
Dating, Love, and Marital Relationships
Family Relationships
The Evolution of Relationships
Coming Together Stages
Growing Together or Coming Apart Stages
Relationships Are Complex
Relational Patterns
Supportive and Defensive Climates
Dependencies and Counter-Dependencies
Progressive and Regressive Spirals
Factors That Influence Patterns
Stage of Relationship and Context
Interpersonal Needs and Styles
Roles and Positional Power
Conflict
Relational Competence
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 10: Group Communication
Groups: The Predictable Realities
Why People Join Groups
Types of Groups
Task and Social Dimensions
Contrived and Emergent Groups
Roles and Responsibilities
Task-Oriented Roles
Group-Building and Support Roles
Individualistic Roles
Leadership
Functions of Leadership
Approaches to Leading and Leadership
Group Development
Group Communication Networks
Stages of Development
Culture: Symbols, Rules, and Codes
Group Initiation and Socialization
Group Decision-Making
Consensus
Compromise
Majority Vote
Arbitration
Group Cohesiveness
Symptoms of Too Little Cohesiveness: Boredom and Indifference
Symptoms of Too Much Cohesiveness: The Groupthink Syndrome
Conflict in Groups
Mediated Groups
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 11: Organizations
Communication and Organizations
Organizational Purposes, Plans, and Goals
Organizational Theories
Scientific Management
Human Relations
Systems
Quality
Innovation
Roles and Responsibilities
Leadership
Communication Networks
Network Functions
Network Size
Internal Networks: Message Flows Within Organizations
External Networks: Research and Public Relations
Mediated Communication Networks
Organizational Communication Networks in Action
Organizational Culture
Origins of Organizational Cultures
Functions of Organizational Cultures
Assimilation, Socialization, and Innovation in Organizations
Organizational Climate
Diversity in Organizations
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
Endnote
CHAPTER 12: Cultures and Societies
The Nature of Culture
The Relationship Between Communication and Culture
Characteristics of Culture
Cultures Are Complex and Multifaceted
Cultures Are Invisible to Their Members
Cultures Are Subjective
Cultures Change Over Time
A Word of Caution
The Role of Mediated Communication
Cultural Adaptation
Stages of Cultural Adaptation
Intercultural Communication
Societies (Complex Cultural and Communication Systems)
National and International Networks
International Communication: The Global Village
Complexities Abound
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
Index
Brent D. Ruben (Ph.D., University of Iowa) is a distinguished professor, and executive director of the Center for Organizational Development and Leadership at Rutgers University. He is also a member of the faculties of the Rutgers Ph.D. Program in Higher Education and the Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine. Brent’s academic interests include human communication, organizational leadership, planning, assessment, and change. He is author of numerous publications including Excellence in Higher Education Guide, What Leaders Need to Know and Do, Communication and Human Behavior (with L. Stewart), and A Guide for Leaders in Higher Education: Core Concepts, Competencies, and Tools (with R. De Lisi and R. Gigliotti). Brent was a founder of the Rutgers School of Communication and Information, and served as a department chair and graduate program director. He is Rutgers liaison to the Big Ten Academic Alliance leadership programs and he serves as an adviser to colleges and universities nationally and internationally.
(Ph.D.—Purdue University) is Professor of Communication and Director of the Center for Communication and Health Issues, Rutgers University-New Brunswick. She also serves as the Livingston Campus Dean and is an associate member of the Rutgers Center of Alcohol Studies. Her current research focuses on issues of dangerous drinking prevention among college students. She has written numerous scholarly journal articles and book chapters as well as five books including Changing the Culture of College Drinking: A Socially Situated Health Communication Campaign (with Linda Lederman). She was co-designer of the RU SURE Campaign, which won a Model Program award from the U.S. Department of Education’s Safe and Drug-free Schools Program in 2000. She has consulted on health communication and education in the United States and abroad (including Lebanon and the Republic of Moldova). Her extensive grant experience includes serving as principal investigator on more than $2 million of projects related to communication and health issues among college students funded by the U.S. Department of Education, NJ Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, NJ Higher Education Consortium, and National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Middlesex County, among others. She served as co-principal investigator on a $6 million award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to form the Rutgers Transdisciplinary Prevention Research Center. In 2003, she received the Warren I. Susman Award for Excellence in Teaching, Rutgers’ highest honor for teaching excellence, and in 2007 she received the Rutgers Board of Trustees Award for Excellence in Research.
A knowledge of human behavior helps us understand ourselves, our actions, our motives, our feelings, and our aspirations…
Communication and Human Behavior portrays a broad and colorful landscape of the field, outlines the history of communication study, and focuses on communication as a basic life process that is necessary to our lives as individuals and to our relationships, groups, organizations, cultures, and societies.
Communication and Human Behavior by Brent Ruben and Lea Stewart:
- integrates up-to-date examples and research findings throughout, including persuasion, interpersonal relationships, organizational communication and leadership, 21st century careers, useful information about Middle Eastern culture, contemporary social media use, and more.
- examines the role of communication in multiple contexts of human life, including individual relationships, groups, organizations, cultural/intercultural frameworks, and public and mass communication.
- is expansive yet integrated, rigorous yet readable, and fuses theory and practice.
CHAPTER 1: Why We Study Communication
Importance of Studying Communication
Communication Is Complex
Communication Is Vital to Workplace Effectiveness
A Higher Education Does Not Ensure Communication Competence
Communication Is a Valuable Discipline
Theories: Guides for Analysis and Action
Personal Theories
Scholarly Theories
Combining Personal and Scholarly Theories
Defining Communication
Level of Observation
The Question of Intent
Point of View
The Issue of Outcomes
Fundamentals of Communication
Communication Is a Process
Communication Is Essential for Individuals, Relationships, Groups, Organizations, and Societies
Communication Involves Responding to and Creating Messages
Communication Involves Adapting to People and the Environment
Communication: Our Definition
Goals of Communication and Human Behavior
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 2: Communication Past and Present
Ancient Roots of Communication Study
Rhetoric and Speech
Origins of Communication Theory: Early Greece
17th–19th Centuries
Journalism
Early 20th Century: Development of Speech and Journalism
The 1940s–1960s: Interdisciplinarity
Lasswell’s View of Communication
Shannon and Weaver’s Model
Katz and Lazarsfeld’s Model
Westley and MacLean’s Model
The 1970s–1980s: Growth and Specialization
The 1990s–The Present Period: Digital Media and The Information-Everywhere Age
Information as a Commodity
Converging Media
Communication Study Today
Ancient and Newly Emergent
Discipline and Interdisciplinary Link
Personal and Professional Applicability
Old and New Technology
Problem and Solution
Practical Skill and Fundamental Life Process
The Evolution of Theory
Communication Theory Today
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 3: Communication as a Basic Life Process
Beyond S → M → R = E: The Adaptation Perspective
Communication Processes in Animals and Humans
Communication Modes
Visual Messages
Tactile Messages
Olfactory and Gustatory Messages
Auditory Messages
Basic Life Functions of Communication
Courtship and Mating
Reproduction
Parent-Offspring Relations and Socialization
Navigation
Self-Defense
Territoriality
The Communication Iceberg
The Visibility and Invisibility of Human Communication
Visible Aspects of Communication
People
Symbols
Technology
Invisible Aspects of Communication
Meaning
Learning
Subjectivity
Negotiation
Culture
Interacting Contexts and Levels
Self-Reference
Self-Reflexivity
Ethics
Inevitability
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 4: Nonverbal Communication
Similarities Between Nonverbal and Verbal Communication
Rule-Governed
Intentionality
Common Message Functions
Persuasion and Social Influence
Differences Between Nonverbal and Verbal Communication
Awareness and Attention
Overt and Covert Rules
Control
Public versus Private Status
Hemispheric Specialization
Paralanguage
Vocalic Forms
Written Forms
The Face
Eye Gaze
Pupil Dilation
The Body
Hair
Physique
Dress and Adornment
Artifacts
Gestures (Kinesics)
Inherited, Discovered, Imitated, and Trained Actions
Types of Gestures
Touch (Haptics)
Use of Space (Proxemics)
The Physical Environment
Time (Chronemics)
Timing
Timeliness
Messages and Meanings: Ms ≠ Mr
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 5: Verbal Communication
Message Production
Encoding and Decoding
Message- Versus Meaning-Centered Models of Communication
The Nature of Language
Cognitive Factors
Acquiring Our Language Capability
Representation
Language and Reality
Limitations of Language for Representation
Conversation
Negotiation of Meanings
Rules and Rituals
Gendered Language
Content and Relationship
Metacommunication
Microaggressions
Difficult Conversations
Persuasion and Social Influence
Compliance-Gaining
Social Influence
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 6: Perception & Information Processing
Selection
Interpretation
Retention (Memory)
Short-Term and Long-Term Memory
Semantic and Episodic Memory
Receiver Influences
Needs
Attitudes, Beliefs, and Values
Goals
Capability
Use
Communication Style
Experience and Habit
Message and Information Influences
Origin
Mode
Physical Characteristics
Organization
Novelty
Source Influences
Proximity
Physical and Social Attraction and Similarity
Credibility and Authoritativeness
Motivation and Intent
Delivery
Status, Power or Authority, and Peer Pressure
Technological and Environmental Influences
Technology
The Environment
Consistency and Competition
An Active and Complex Process
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 7: Mediated Communication
The Tool-Making Animal
Communication Technology and Its Functions
Production and Distribution
Reception, Storage, and Retrieval
Types of Media
Evolution of Communication Media
Communication Technology in Everyday Life
Technological Convergence
Increasing Number of Messages and Media
New Technology Means More Messages and New Communication Literacy Needs
Substituting Communication for Transportation
Evolving Concepts of Office and Home
Increasing Value of Information as a Commodity
Increasing Availability of Synthetic Experience
Understanding Media Influence
Cues-Filtered-Out Theories
Social Influence Theory
Adaptive Structuration Theory
Aspects of Mediated Communication
Synchronicity
Interactivity
Control of Content
Anonymity
Responsibility and Accountability
Sense of Place
Communication Technology and the Quality of Life
Media Forms
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 8: The Individual: Identity and The Self
Reaction, Action, and Interaction
Cognitive Development
Learning
Characteristics of Personal Representations
Self-Development
Stress and Growth
Self-Expression
Emotional Intelligence
Self-Awareness
Self-Reflexiveness and Self-Monitoring
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 9: Interpersonal Communication and Relationships
Interpersonal Communication and Relationships
Types of Relationships
Dyadic and Triadic Relationships
Task and Social Relationships
Short- and Long-Term Relationships
Casual and Intimate Relationships
Dating, Love, and Marital Relationships
Family Relationships
The Evolution of Relationships
Coming Together Stages
Growing Together or Coming Apart Stages
Relationships Are Complex
Relational Patterns
Supportive and Defensive Climates
Dependencies and Counter-Dependencies
Progressive and Regressive Spirals
Factors That Influence Patterns
Stage of Relationship and Context
Interpersonal Needs and Styles
Roles and Positional Power
Conflict
Relational Competence
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 10: Group Communication
Groups: The Predictable Realities
Why People Join Groups
Types of Groups
Task and Social Dimensions
Contrived and Emergent Groups
Roles and Responsibilities
Task-Oriented Roles
Group-Building and Support Roles
Individualistic Roles
Leadership
Functions of Leadership
Approaches to Leading and Leadership
Group Development
Group Communication Networks
Stages of Development
Culture: Symbols, Rules, and Codes
Group Initiation and Socialization
Group Decision-Making
Consensus
Compromise
Majority Vote
Arbitration
Group Cohesiveness
Symptoms of Too Little Cohesiveness: Boredom and Indifference
Symptoms of Too Much Cohesiveness: The Groupthink Syndrome
Conflict in Groups
Mediated Groups
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
CHAPTER 11: Organizations
Communication and Organizations
Organizational Purposes, Plans, and Goals
Organizational Theories
Scientific Management
Human Relations
Systems
Quality
Innovation
Roles and Responsibilities
Leadership
Communication Networks
Network Functions
Network Size
Internal Networks: Message Flows Within Organizations
External Networks: Research and Public Relations
Mediated Communication Networks
Organizational Communication Networks in Action
Organizational Culture
Origins of Organizational Cultures
Functions of Organizational Cultures
Assimilation, Socialization, and Innovation in Organizations
Organizational Climate
Diversity in Organizations
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
Endnote
CHAPTER 12: Cultures and Societies
The Nature of Culture
The Relationship Between Communication and Culture
Characteristics of Culture
Cultures Are Complex and Multifaceted
Cultures Are Invisible to Their Members
Cultures Are Subjective
Cultures Change Over Time
A Word of Caution
The Role of Mediated Communication
Cultural Adaptation
Stages of Cultural Adaptation
Intercultural Communication
Societies (Complex Cultural and Communication Systems)
National and International Networks
International Communication: The Global Village
Complexities Abound
Conclusion
Check Your Knowledge
References
Index
Brent D. Ruben (Ph.D., University of Iowa) is a distinguished professor, and executive director of the Center for Organizational Development and Leadership at Rutgers University. He is also a member of the faculties of the Rutgers Ph.D. Program in Higher Education and the Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine. Brent’s academic interests include human communication, organizational leadership, planning, assessment, and change. He is author of numerous publications including Excellence in Higher Education Guide, What Leaders Need to Know and Do, Communication and Human Behavior (with L. Stewart), and A Guide for Leaders in Higher Education: Core Concepts, Competencies, and Tools (with R. De Lisi and R. Gigliotti). Brent was a founder of the Rutgers School of Communication and Information, and served as a department chair and graduate program director. He is Rutgers liaison to the Big Ten Academic Alliance leadership programs and he serves as an adviser to colleges and universities nationally and internationally.
(Ph.D.—Purdue University) is Professor of Communication and Director of the Center for Communication and Health Issues, Rutgers University-New Brunswick. She also serves as the Livingston Campus Dean and is an associate member of the Rutgers Center of Alcohol Studies. Her current research focuses on issues of dangerous drinking prevention among college students. She has written numerous scholarly journal articles and book chapters as well as five books including Changing the Culture of College Drinking: A Socially Situated Health Communication Campaign (with Linda Lederman). She was co-designer of the RU SURE Campaign, which won a Model Program award from the U.S. Department of Education’s Safe and Drug-free Schools Program in 2000. She has consulted on health communication and education in the United States and abroad (including Lebanon and the Republic of Moldova). Her extensive grant experience includes serving as principal investigator on more than $2 million of projects related to communication and health issues among college students funded by the U.S. Department of Education, NJ Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, NJ Higher Education Consortium, and National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Middlesex County, among others. She served as co-principal investigator on a $6 million award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to form the Rutgers Transdisciplinary Prevention Research Center. In 2003, she received the Warren I. Susman Award for Excellence in Teaching, Rutgers’ highest honor for teaching excellence, and in 2007 she received the Rutgers Board of Trustees Award for Excellence in Research.