Stretching Boundaries: Cases in Organizational and Managerial Communication
Stretching Boundaries

In the 21st century, shifting workplace demographics, globalization, and the flattening of the world via new communication technologies has ushered in radical changes in our understandings of organizations and their members. Given the interest in engaged scholarship and more flexible and virtual forms within organizational communication, cases in this volume cross over different areas within the field and related disciplines. Furthermore, they cover topics and populations that are increasingly being seen in organizational communication literature. Cases delve into organizing structures, relationships, and visions for global not-for-profits, hybrid, creative industry, and entrepreneurial organizations. Some cases are "positive" in orientation and display exemplars of organizations that have qualities to emulate. Others display "destructive" elements and processes (e.g., dysfunctional leadership, workplace bullying). Furthermore, the cases reflect an awareness of the necessity of intercultural communication competencies, emphasizing communication in multicultural contexts (e.g., China, India, Africa, Russia).

This book can benefit instructors and students in at least four ways. First, it provides instructors with an application-based teaching tool to help spark discussion. Second, students often find case studies interesting and applicable to their current and future work lives, especially undergraduates who anticipate graduating within the next year or two and entering full-time membership in the labor force. Third, students and instructors note that cases help students grasp course materials that may be otherwise challenging. In their case study learning, students sometimes derive insights, lessons, and strategies that broaden the theoretical and practical implications for which instructors plan. Finally, for graduate students, the book encourages reflection on important topics for future research and provides a resource for making their lessons come alive in classrooms and in other settings.

Part I: Overview

Part II. Organizing and Identity/Identifications

Reflection Piece: Trends and Directions in Identity/Identification Research

Part III. Organizing and Technology

Reflection Piece: The Future of Organizing and Technology Studies

Part IV. Organizing and Global Labor Force Patterns

Reflection Piece: Organizing and Activity Systems

Part V. Organizing and Transformation

Reflection Piece: UNESCO, Transnational Virtual Organizing, and Transformation

Part VI. Organizing, Careerism, Professionalism

Reflection Piece: The Making of an Academic Professional

Part VII. Organizing and Engagement

Reflection Piece: Making a Difference through Engagement

Part VIII. Organizing and Support

Reflection Piece: Support Systems in Organizations

Jeremy P. Fyke (PhD, Purdue University) is Assistant Professor of Communication Studies and Corporate Communication at Belmont University.

Jeralyn L. Faris (PhD, Purdue University) is a Continuing Lecturer and Director of the Interviewing course at Purdue University.

Patrice M. Buzzanell (PhD, Purdue University) is a Distinguished Professor in the Brian Lamb School of Communication, Professor of Engineering Education (courtesy), and the Chair and Director of the Susan Bulkeley Butler Center for Leadership Excellence at Purdue University.