Develops the theme of interactional asymmetry by bringing into focus a hierarchical context of a single employer-employee conversation. Argues that the asymmetrical dynamics of a workplace interaction are revealed better when captured in terms of discursively produced selves as opposed to given identities. (RS)

An adaptation of "communication audit" procedures was used to evaluate the communication patterns at a mental health center (MHC). The evaluation included initial interviews with 28 MHC workers/administrators, a survey of 215 staff members for a communication network analysis, and followup interviews with another 28 persons. The data produced four…

A case study used focus groups to examine employee attitudes and concerns. Subjects, about 60 employees and managers of a major university teaching hospital in the southeast, were formed into 4 focus groups to discuss their attitudes. Employees hoped that management would use the information gathered to improve the communication environment and…

In a study of turnover in a midwest trucking firm, the files of 199 terminated drivers were used in a statistical analysis of 19 variables that might have been correlated to length of service. A series of interviews with drivers and key management personnel supplemented the statistical data. It was found that previously identified biographical…