Marianne Dainton & Elaine D. Zelley 
Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life 
A Practical Introduction

Now in its fifth edition, Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life is the first communication theory textbook to provide practical material for career-oriented students. Featuring new case studies, updated examples, and the latest research, authors Marianne Dainton and Elaine D. Zelley introduce communication theory in a way that helps students understand its importance to careers in communication and business. Real-world case studies within each chapters are designed for in-class use to illustrate the application of theory in a variety of professional settings. The Fifth edition features eight new theories, a new chapter on theories of strategic communication, and expanded discussions of mediated communication theories.

Table of Content

Chapter 1: Introduction to Communication Theory

Chapter 2: Theory Development

Chapter 3: Cognition and Intrapersonal Communication

Chapter 4: Interpersonal Communication

Chapter 5: Culture

Chapter 6: Persuasion

Chapter 7: Strategic Communication

Chapter 8: Group Communication

Chapter 9: Organizational Communication

Chapter 10: Mass Communication

Chapter 11: Mediated Communication

Chapter 12: What Should a Communicator Do?

About the author

Elaine D. Zelley (MA, Ph D, The Pennsylvania State University; BA, Ursinus College) is an associate professor of communication at La Salle University in Philadelphia. She teaches communication theory; communication ethics; interpersonal communication; organizational communication; group communication; and sex, gender, and communication. Elaine’s interests focus broadly on women’s roles and relationships including in the workplace and friendships. She was recently a contributing researcher for a collaborative census report on The Gender Gap in Nonprofit Boardrooms. She has also developed pedagogical expertise in curriculum assessment and in understanding by design (Ub D). She has published in Communication Yearbook and has also coauthored several book chapters dealing with the topics of relationship maintenance, friendship, and competition.