Analysis of Different Books Covering Different Areas of Communication - Annotated Bibliography Example

Communication Management Synopsis This annotated bibliography provides critical appraisals and summaries of different books covering different areasof communication. The annotated material focus on communication management, with emphasis on corporate communication, communication innovation, organisational communication, reputation management, internal communications, strategic communication, and intercultural communication. Minshall, T., Mortara, L. & Pfeffermann, N. (2014) Strategy and communication for innovation (Second ed.), New York, Springer. In this book, Mortara, Minshall, and Pfeffermann, world-renowned experts in communication and management, discuss the relationship between strategy and communication and how the two concepts can be used to drive innovation. The authors argue that the innovation sector demands new standards for international business and needs effective management of innovation to plan, implement, and assess innovation programs (Caywood, 2012:29). Efficient innovation management is also required to develop innovation capability and organise resources and potential for innovation. This occurs at both intra and inter-organisational standards. Communication has evolved to become a major determinant of successful innovation. Consequently, the new discipline of innovation communication enables the successful introduction of new products and services, the nurturing of stakeholder partnerships, and the enhancement of corporate image in the long-term. The modern business environment demands that corporations create a sound array of communication tools as a central component of their strategic innovation management operations. The authors have provided a critical appraisal of emerging techniques and strategies of integrating communication as a facilitator of strategic innovation. While reading the book, it is easy to realise that the provision of a holistic outlook to narrow the chasm between communication management and innovation management, at decision-making and operational levels, is a key theme (Grunig, 2013:18). The authors provide a valuable input to the dynamic discipline of communication by contributing numerous views to the latest studies on innovation communication, communication management, and strategic open innovation. The authors also offer important advice for managers at all levels who are interested in comprehending the variety of ways in which they can optimise communication to augment successful innovation. James, M. (2014) Positioning theory and strategic communications: A new approach to public relations research and practice, Boston, MA., Routledge. Positioning is a popular subject in marketing and communications. It is common to see and hear references to the positioning of ideologies, identities, political affiliations, ideas, products, etc. However, a majority of people barely understand the true meaning of the concept of positioning. In addition, very few people see the connection between strategic communication and positioning (Garcia, 2012:34). For professionals, it is important to understand why some ideas adopted by organisations resonate with audiences while others do not. In this book, the authors assume a critical stance on the subject of strategic communication and its relationship with positioning. Although positioning is not a novel concept in public relations, the authors present the first acceptable explanation of what it entails, its mechanisms, and how to implement it. Although the authors have submitted compelling arguments on the topic, it becomes obvious as one reads the book that some important issues were left out. This aspect affects the overall authority of the book. The authors also provide what seems to be the first examination of the potential of the Positioning Theory for the communications field. This provides a new dimension to the expanding body of multidisciplinary studies in this broad theoretical discipline, shifting from the traditional communication objectives of previous eras. It has been duly noted that past communication strategies did not incorporate the evolving viewpoint and media dynamics. The authors have interwoven different types of socio-cultural concepts into a critical body, offering readers an instrument for analysing the organisational effects communication and public relations decisions. Using their rationales, readers can improve their strategic decision-making by employing pragmatic scenario planning. In summary, this game-changing book provides another route to researching communication in increasingly intricate settings and, consequently, will be a defining reading for scholars, senior communication students, educators, and senior communication professionals. Cooren, F., Vaara, E., Langley, A. & Tsoukas, H. (Eds.). (2014) Language and communication at work: Discourse, narrativity, and organising (Illustrated ed.), Oxford, Oxford University Press. In lieu of the growing influence of diffuse and descriptive views on organising, organisational researchers are giving more attention to the holistic effects that language and communication have on organisational functions. This approach defines language and communication as actualising organisation constantly and is, therefore, naturally inclined toward a process outlook. In spite of this, our understanding of the impact of language in conceptualizing organisational functions and as a constituent of organisational management is still scanty (Sriramesh, Zerfass, & Kim, 2013:54). In this seminal work, the authors combine scientific and conceptual views from pioneering researchers in communication and organisation to inspire comprehension of dialect and communication as part of employment. In addition, the authors examine how dialects and communication really function to create influence in an organisational setting. The authors are focused on explaining the roles played by language, communication, and storytelling as constituents of strategic internal and external aspects. In observing earlier works in the Perspectives on Process Organisation Studies collection, this latest sequel shows why people must start reasoning systematically. It also offers a variety of theoretical and methodological techniques of studying the evolving entities that we call associations, companies, nongovernmental organisations, businesses, organisations, agencies, and communities. Cornelissen, J. (2014) Corporate communication: A guide to theory and practice (4th ed.), Los Angeles, SAGE. Of all books written on communication in the last five years, this is the most definitive. The authors have included all the relevant issues concerning the theory and practice of communication and a comprehensive background to the whole book. The authors have focused on accuracy and delivery, unlike other books that provide a lot of content without considering relevance and precision. From the onset, one can notice that the authors have specifically targeted students who seek more knowledge on the organisational and management features of communications. They also target other readers who want to improve their practical and application skills and experience so that they can build solid foundations for their careers. The authors have done a wonderful job of developing cues to organisational communication that will assist all types of readers in negotiating the concept of communication, comprehending the crucial theories, and applying these using case studies and examples. The case studies used in the book are so effective that any reader who cannot decipher the messages in the text will benefit from them. With a firm foundation in scholarly perspectives, the authors discuss the main theories, models and principles in organisational communication by combining academic proficiency and views on the topics of communication and management. Simultaneously, the book aligns this academic authority with a clear, pragmatic approach – practical cases explain the concept, and each chapter also discusses exercises and frameworks that arm readers with practical skills and knowledge. The book has a global dimension that justifies the inclusion of numerous cases from around the world. This is part of the reason for its overall effectiveness. Any reader in any part of the world will find this book to be a priceless companion when studying corporate communication, marketing communications, public relations, and organisational communication (Balmer & Podnar, 2013:38). Reflective professionals also stand to gain a lot from the comprehensive and flexible approach adopted by the authors. Since it is the latest installment in its series, the cases and issues covered are relevant to current studies on subjects like corporate social responsibility communication, leadership communication, and image development. The authors have included: A new section on social media and more information on new media in current chapters. New comprehensive and short international cases. Improved companion website information including new cases and audiovisual materials that can be accessed online. More coverage of media relations, leadership and change communication, and internal communications. New, latest information on novel corporate social responsibility standards, corporate citizenship, and global governance. FitzPatrick, L. & Valskov, K. (2014) Internal communications: A manual for practitioners (Reprint ed.), London, Kogan Page. This book delivers one message: effective internal communications has infinite benefits for organisations in all sectors and regions around the world. The authors argue that happy and driven employees, better external perception, positive financial results, and satisfied customers are just some of the justifications for practicing effective internal communications. The authors assess the meaning of progressive practice in internal communications. In doing this, they provide a forthright approach to developing internal communications techniques based on their rich experiences as internal leaders and consultants in the governmental, private, and not-for-profit segments. The authors include a systematic guide to: Creating an internal communications posse and framework. Generating messages and selecting which media to use. Driving change within a company. Cooperating with senior and line managers. Researching and assessing internal communications. Backed by simple models, exemplifications of the main concepts, and cases, this book offers both students and internal communications professionals the theoretical and practical template they need to impact organisations. Neuliep, J. (2014) Intercultural communication: A contextual approach (6th ed.), Los Angeles, SAGE. Neuliep, a respected authority in the field of communication, presents an explicit contextual framework, visually illustrated by a chain of concentric circles, for assessing communication in cultural, socio-relational, micro-cultural, perceptual, and environmental settings. Starting with the most comprehensive setting, the cultural aspect of the framework, the author moves chapter by chapter through the framework to the most specific communication attributes (verbal and nonverbal correspondence). Each section of the text focuses on one setting and discusses the battery of factors in that setting, including conditions, circumstances, developments, and situations. The author is effective in highlighting attitudes, locations, ideals, ethnicities, and backgrounds, and has used this aspect to assess ways of interaction (e.g., eye contact, verbal messages, phases of relationships, culture shock, body language, cross-cultural conflict, and intercultural management). Goodman, M. & Hirsch, P. (2014) Corporate communication: Critical business asset for strategic global change, Ohio, Peter Lang Pub Incorporated. The role of communications in organisations has evolved to include new perspectives, strategies and skills that call for better approaches to guarantee positive results. In the same breadth, the nature of organisations has evolved as a result of the invasion of new communication technologies and international connections in organisations. Communication is more intricate, demanding, strategic, and critical to the success of organisations than it has ever been. And this is not all. All indications are that communication will become increasingly vital in the information-oriented economy. In this book, the authors build upon their previous work which was published in 2010: Corporate Communication: Strategic Adaptation for Global Practice. While the previous work targeted the impact of the communicator, this edition explores, examines and exemplifies the practice of organisational communication as a vital organisational asset in an era of global evolutions. It assesses the primary communication requirements in the lifecycles of corporations. This includes mergers and acquisitions, downsizing, competition, political action, innovation, structural evolution, employee engagement, new leadership, ethical decision-making, global expansion, and culture change. These are all major value-enhancing, and possibly value-eroding, factors in which organisational communication, if practiced correctly, works as a strategic business forte. Abdullah, Z. (2014) Corporate Communication Management (1. Aufl. ed.), Saarbrücken, VDM Publishing. Corporate communication has developed into a unique discipline of strategic management. It makes a huge contribution to organisations’ internal and external activities and the development of strategies related to these aspects, particularly in important areas like reputation management, corporate image, stakeholder engagement, corporate branding, corporate governance, corporate identity, social responsibility, and trust (Podnar, 2014:43). Intriguingly, the theme of this book revolves around the importance of presenting some clear global examples in Europe, the United States, and Asia. The author wrote this book with the main objective of enhancing awareness of corporate communications management for a number of reader groups: Postgraduate and undergraduate students undertaking courses in corporate communications and marketing. Strategic professionals practicing public relations, strategic planning, and organisational communication. Corporate leaders who manage prestigious organisations in a global setting. Scholars and researchers who are keen on the fields of corporate communication and marketing. Kitchen, P. (2014) Integrated communications in the postmodern era, London, Palgrave Macmillan. All organisations, in all contexts, face obstacles in the economic spaces and regions of the 21st century. No economy is averse, and competitive forces are growing stronger and evolving. Governments tend to intercede, usually with clear effects, and consumers (the backbone of any corporation) are more aware and more demanding of what companies and brands are and what they represent. Technological advancement has created new opportunities for innovation and communication. This is reflected in how social media relays information almost instantly to different world regions. These dynamic tectonic communication plates supersede the gravitational market forces which compel the incorporation of online and offline correspondence. No business is invisible, and the events of one market are passed on instantly through international media to communication devices like TVs and computers – or are almost instantly available. The world of data availability and the resultant decline of organisational invisibility is the epitome of the modern business environment. It is also a communications truth in the 21st century. The authors have produced a book which allows readers to acquire knowledge, skills, ability, and insight into integrated communications in the postmodern age – a subject that is relevant anywhere. This text is informed by the papers submitted at a conference held in Istanbul, a rapidly growing city, and one that is enjoying important growth in the global economy. Duck, S. & McMahan, D. (2014) Communication in everyday life: A survey of communication (Second ed.), New York, SAGE Publications. This is still the only introductory communication text that discusses basic concepts, skills, and theories focused on assisting readers to practice its message in their careers and personal lives – with a contextual incorporation of the relational angle and a focus on explaining its direct significance in their daily communication (Verghese, 2012:41). The authors assist readers to construct a solid foundation in communication theories, research, and concepts, including practical communication skills like technological applications, managing group differences, listening, developing persuasive techniques, critical thinking, and comprehending nonverbal communication. The authors also introduce readers to vital emerging aspects of communication studies by providing distinct chapters on health and family communication. In summary, this book offers latest insights into the communication subjects critical in day-to-day activities. References Abdullah, Z. (2014) Corporate Communication Management (1. Aufl. ed.), Saarbrücken, VDM Publishing. Balmer, J., & Podnar, K. (Eds.). (2013) Corporate Marketing Contemplating Corporate Branding, Marketing and Communications in the 21st Century, Hoboken, Routledge. Cornelissen, J. (2014) Corporate communication: A guide to theory and practice (4th ed.), Los Angeles, SAGE. Caywood, C. (2012) The handbook of strategic public relations and integrated marketing communications (2nd ed.), New York, McGraw-Hill Professional. Cooren, F., Vaara, E., Langley, A. & Tsoukas, H. (Eds.). (2014) Language and communication at work: Discourse, narrativity, and organising (Illustrated ed.), Oxford, Oxford University Press. Duck, S. & McMahan, D. (2014) Communication in everyday life: A survey of communication (Second ed.), New York, SAGE Publications. FitzPatrick, L. & Valskov, K. (2014) Internal communications: A manual for practitioners (Reprint ed.), London, Kogan Page. Garcia, H. (2012) The power of communication: skills to build trust, inspire loyalty, and lead effectively, Upper Saddle River, N.J., FT Press. Grunig, J. (Ed.). (2013) Excellence in public relations and communication management (Illustrated ed.), Hillsdale, N.J., Routledge. James, M. (2014) Positioning theory and strategic communications: A new approach to public relations research and practice, Boston, MA., Routledge. Kitchen, P. (2014) Integrated communications in the postmodern era, London, Palgrave Macmillan. Minshall, T., Mortara, L. & Pfeffermann, N. (2014) Strategy and communication for innovation (Second ed.), New York, Springer. Neuliep, J. (2014) Intercultural communication: A contextual approach (6th ed.), Los Angeles, SAGE. Podnar, K. (2014) Corporate communication: A marketing viewpoint, London, Routledge Sriramesh, K., Zerfass, A. & Kim, J. (Eds.). (2013) Public relations and communication management: current trends and emerging topics, New York, Routledge. Verghese, A. (2012) Internal communications insights, practices and models (Illustrated ed.), New Delhi, SAGE Publications. Read More