Customer Reviews

Communicating for Managerial Effectiveness

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I am a Director of Training and communication is a pervasive concern. Unlike other books that focus on skill-building, this one addresses more fundamental communication issues. What I found particularly valuable was that the strategic discussions were directly linked to specific action plans that I could implement. For instance, the book discusses the principles behind effectivly communicating change along with providing some concrete suggestions. I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone charged with addressing communication problems in their organization.

A new edition of this popular text used widely in MBA and business communication programs is now available. Not a "how to" book, it attempts to educate the reader broadly on a wide variety of communication issues and was written mainly for business students and managers. At 287 pages it's not always easy going, but communication is complex, and this is a comprehensive book.

With 11 solid chapters (of around 20-30 pages each), plenty of charts, diagrams and references (almost 40 per chapter) it is thorough. It covers: how managers communicate (three models), definitions, culture, ethics, technologies, managing data and knowledge, performance feedback, communicating across organisational boundaries, change communication, innovation, effectiveness and measurement.

In my MBA we had nothing like this - a real shame. Sadly few line managers ever get to study communication in such detail. And, while it's not the sort of book you'd read cover to cover, it is enjoyable. My suggestion is to read it carefully, chapter by chapter. No need to rush - no pain, no gain. Fortunately, some sections are engrossing and there are gems everywhere. It names a good few names, and there are lots of good examples. I kept thinking "how could one person actually know (or even find out) all this". Even if you Googled every aspect of communication you could think of, you'd still have put it all together. Clampitt seems to understand so much about so much, and communicates it in a truly transnational manner.

But what of its value to corporate communicators? Would you read a textbook for fun? It's worth a read to see how managers are being trained, and to put communication into a business context. And it is one you'd recommend to line managers who are serious about improving their business education.

It's probably not a book to cause corporate communicators to think deeply about or change what they are doing day-to-day (as is Corporate Conversations by Shel Holtz or Bill Quirke's Making the Connections). Nor is it one suitable as a text for professional communication students. But it is one which, if you read and understand, is likely to make you a more mature, thoughtful contributor to your organisation.

I was impressed with the 3rd edition of this text for one of Prof. Clampitt's communication classes, and fortunate to have witnessed a personal delivery of his communication concepts and strategies. All I can say is don't let the title fool you. This Fourth Edition of Communication for Managerial Effectiveness is focused on essential communication principles, problems, and solutions that can be applied to both personal and professional communications. Clampitt's "dance" concept brings the reader to a new level of understanding the rhythms, techniques, and processes involved in conversations of the verbal, written, or virtual kind. CME4 is filled with realistic, applicable, and strategic concepts that will enhance all levels of communication. It is an essential read for students and professionals alike.

Clampitt's book is a rare blend of theory, research and real world examples, creating one of the best tools any manager, employee, or student can find. The real world case studies are applicable to many different situations and contexts and shows the great insight Clampitt into the communication process in organizations. I was particularly impressed with the "Drill down" exercises and have used them to teach freshman communication students critical thinking skills. An excellent read and an even better tool!

Clampitt's book is an invaluable resource for any Leader, Manager, Employee or Student. I've used the concepts in various settings from large organizations to classrooms with great success. Clampitt's examples are top notch and the case studies are applicable to many different situations. Truly a great read and a resource I've found myself referring to time and time again.

Communicating for Managerial Effectiveness is a book aimed at executives and managers. However, employees at all levels will benefit from Clampitt's suggestions and recommendations.

The book is comprised of 11 chapters and covers communication breakdowns and challenges that I can certainly relate to, such as using the correct communication channels, communicating change, giving performance feedback, and communicating the corporate culture. In each chapter, Clampitt analyzes common problems that occur in organizations, defines why these problems occur and offers concrete recommendations and suggestions. Clampitt is skilled at using great metaphors, case studies, examples, statistical evidence, and experience to form his recommendations. Every day I apply the knowledge I've gained from this book to my career at Rockwell Automation; I highly recommend this book to you so you can benefit from it in your career as well.

This book examines theories and techniques employed by communication professionals in large organisations. It provides an opportunity to assess these theories and techniques by applying them to an analysis of communication practices within specific organisations and examining an organisations external communication.

Ideal read or textbook if interested in or studying concepts that exist within small or large organisations or seeking to improve communication within their own organisation.

This book is also very appropriate for my communication management class. We use it extensively.