ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses interpersonal processes by which individuals negotiate stakes, seek and give information, influence opinions and behavior, coordinate activities, and compete for resources. It discusses one-to-one communication in companies. A variety of new electronic innovations offer many possibilities for interpersonal contact through mediated channels. Superior-subordinate communication refers to contact between boss and employee. From their immediate bosses, employees want job-related information that may affect their performance, satisfaction, teamwork, and turnover. From higher levels of management, they seek information that gives scope to their efforts and can affect unit outcomes such as productivity, commitment, morale, loyalty, and trust. Cultures contain different shared realities that suggest why some communication behaviors, communication plans, and message design logics work for people in some but not other organizational settings. Some interpersonal communication is highly routine and scripted. At times, it requires execution of complex communication plans that employ message design logics, some of which can be quite elaborate.
