Instructor Resource
Dainton, Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Case Notes
Chapter 12: What Should a Communicator Do?
Case Study 12: Arguments at Amazing Adventures
Question 1. This chapter suggests two decisions each communicator should make: whether to be
direct or indirect and whether to compensate or reciprocate. Discuss both Selena’s and Sam’s
behavior in terms of these two decisions, articulating what in each case leads you to the
conclusions you draw.
SAMPLE STUDENT ANSWER: Selena displayed strengths as a competent
communicator when she got the job at Amazing Adventures. When she got the job, she
Question 2. Do you believe Selena and Sam are competent communicators? Why or why not?
What could they do to improve their communication competence?
SAMPLE STUDENT ANSWER: Sam appeared to be an incompetent communicator.
He did not engage Selena in a dialog or offer any explanations; he did not approach her
Question 3. What ethical challenges does incompetent communication bring with it? How does
greater understanding of what communication competence entails lead to more ethical
interaction?
SAMPLE STUDENT ANSWER: Competent communication means being effective and
appropriate. If you are competent, you are able to achieve your goals in ethical ways. You
Question 4. Discuss how each of the following influenced Selena’s and Sam’s behavior.
SAMPLE STUDENT ANSWER:
A. Cohesion/connection/in-groups: Selena thought that her connection with Sam would
have gotten her more rewards than she was being given. She had been with the company
for a long time, and she knew the organization, so she felt she was part of the ingroup.