Communication studies

== Scope and topics ==
{{Rhetoric}}
{{Main|Outline of communication}}
Communication studies integrates aspects of both social sciences and the humanities. As a [[social science]], the discipline overlaps with [[sociology]], [[psychology]], [[anthropology]], [[biology]], [[political science]], [[economics]], and [[public policy]].<ref name=":0" /> From a [[humanities]] perspective, communication is concerned with [[rhetoric]] and [[persuasion]] (traditional graduate programs in communication studies trace their history to the rhetoricians of [[Ancient Greece]]).<ref>{{Cite book|title=Routledge Handbook of Strategic Communication.|date=2019|publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-367-36773-2|location=[S.l.]|oclc=1107565954}}</ref> Humanities approaches to communication often overlap with [[history]], [[philosophy]], [[English literature|English]], and [[cultural studies]].

Communication research informs [[politician]]s and [[Public policy|policy makers]], [[Education|educators]], [[strategist]]s, [[legislator]]s, [[business magnate]]s, [[Management|managers]], [[social worker]]s, [[non-governmental organization]]s, [[non-profit organization]]s, and people interested in resolving communication issues in general.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes |publisher=Cengage Learning |last=Miller|first=Katherine|isbn=978-1-285-16420-5|edition=Seventh|location=Stamford, Connecticut|oclc=864086905|date = January 2014}}</ref> There is often a great deal of crossover between [[Social research and methods|social research]], cultural research, [[market research]], and other statistical fields.

Recent critiques have been made about the homogeneity of communication scholarship. For example, Chakravartty, et al. (2018)<ref name="#CommunicationSoWhite">{{cite journal |last1=Chakravartty |first1=Paula |last2=Kuo |first2=Rachel |last3=Grubbs |first3=Victoria |last4=McIlwain |first4=Charlton |title=#CommunicationSoWhite |journal=Journal of Communication |date=2018 |volume=68 |issue=2 |pages=254–266 |doi=10.1093/joc/jqy003 |ref=48|doi-access=free }}</ref> find that white scholars comprise the vast majority of publications, citations, and editorial positions. From a [[Postcolonialism|post-colonial]] point of view, this state is problematic because communication studies engages with a wide range of social justice concerns. 
{{Further|Mediated quasi-interaction}}

=== Business ===
{{Main|Business communication}}
Business communication emerged as a field of study in the late 20th century, due to the centrality of communication within business relationships. The scope of the field is difficult to define because of the various ways in which communication is used between employers, employees, consumers, and brands.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Locker |first1=Kitty O. |last2=Miller |first2=Scott L. |last3=Richardson |first3=Malcolm |last4=Tebeaux |first4=Elizabeth |last5=Yates |first5=JoAnne |date=1996-06-01 |title=Studying the History of Business Communication |url=https://doi.org/10.1177/108056999605900210 |journal=Business Communication Quarterly |language=en |volume=59 |issue=2 |pages=109–127 |doi=10.1177/108056999605900210 |s2cid=167570689 |issn=1080-5699}}</ref> Because of this, the focus of the field is usually placed on the demands of employers, which is more universally understood by the revision of the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of business standards to emphasize written and oral communication as an important characteristic in the curriculum.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Plutsky |first=Susan |date=1996-12-01 |title=Faculty Perceptions of Students' Business Communication Needs |url=https://doi.org/10.1177/108056999605900407 |journal=Business Communication Quarterly |language=en |volume=59 |issue=4 |pages=69–76 |doi=10.1177/108056999605900407 |s2cid=167893503 |issn=1080-5699}}</ref> Business communication studies, therefore, revolve around the, ever changing, written and oral communication aspects directly related to the field of business.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Zhao |first=Jensen J. |date=1996-12-01 |title=Using Case Studies for International Business Communication Training |url=https://doi.org/10.1177/108056999605900402 |journal=Business Communication Quarterly |language=en |volume=59 |issue=4 |pages=11–24 |doi=10.1177/108056999605900402 |s2cid=167843015 |issn=1080-5699}}</ref> Implementation of modern business communication curriculums are enhancing the study of business communication as a whole, while further preparing those to be able to effectively communicate in the business community.<ref name=":1" />

=== Healthcare ===
{{Main|Health communication}}
[[Health communication]] is a multidisciplinary field that practices the application of "communication evidence, strategy, theory, and creativity" in order to advance the well-being of people and populations. The term was first coined in 1975 by the International Communication Association and, in 1997, Health communication was officially recognized in the broader fields of Public Health Education and Health Promotion by the American Public Health Association.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Health Communication |url=https://www.societyforhealthcommunication.org/health-communication |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=Society for Health Communication}}</ref> The discipline integrates components of various theories and models, with a focus on social marketing. It uses marketing to develop "activities and interventions designed to positively change behaviors."<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 April 2018 |title=Health Communication |url=https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/health-promotion/2/strategies/health-communication |access-date=2 May 2023 |website=Rural Health Information Hub |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504060747/https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/health-promotion/2/strategies/health-communication  |archive-date= May 4, 2023 }}</ref> This emergence affected several dynamics of the healthcare system. It brought elevated awareness to different avenues including promotional activities and communication between heath professionals and their employees, patients, and constituents. "Efforts to create marketing-oriented organizations called for the widespread dissemination of information", putting a spotlight on theories of "communication, the communication process, and the techniques that were being utilized to communicate in other settings."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Thomas |first=Richard K |title=Health Communication |publisher=Springer |year=2006 |isbn=9780387261164 |location=Boston, MA |pages=39–46 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fpOstdnh3e0C&pg=PA39 }}</ref> Now, health care organizations of all types are using things like social media. "Uses include communicating with the community and patients; enhancing organizational visibility; marketing products and services; establishing a venue for acquiring news about activities, promotions, and fund-raising; providing a channel for patient resources and education; and providing customer service and support."<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ventola |first=C. Lee |date=July 2014 |title=Social Media and Health Care Professionals: Benefits, Risks, and Best Practices |journal= P & T: A Peer-Reviewed Journal for Formulary Management|volume=39 |issue=7 |pages=491–520 |pmid=25083128 |pmc=4103576 }}</ref>
{{Further|Medical writing}}