A Decade of Organizational Communication Research: Journal Articles 1980–1991

Abstract

This chapter reviews 889 organizational communication journal articles published in 61 journals from 1980 through 1991. The superior-subordinate communication relationship and communication skills were the most frequently discussed topics, with culture showing the largest increase in published articles. Articles have consistently linked communication to positive outcomes. As the decade progressed, culture-related articles increasingly focused on positive outcomes. Interest grew in some areas (e.g., cross-cultural communication, networks) and decreased in others (e.g., nonverbal communication, structure). Increasingly, various areas (e.g., power) focused on the socially constructed nature of reality. Few articles focused on workplace diversity and ethics-related issues.