As a communication theorist, I’ve been involved in developing a distinctive theory of communication (the “coordinated management of meaning”) that I believe is particularly suited for the dialogue and deliberation community.
As a practitioner, I work through the nonprofit Public Dialogue Consortium and the for-profit Pearce Associates. In both organizations, I attempt to call into being better forms of communication.
My interests focus on creating preferred patterns of communication and transforming dysfunctional patterns of communication. Some of this work is through the Transforming Communication Project.
I am one of the founders and on the faculty of the Dialogue, Deliberation and Public Engagement graduate certificate program, and I continue to have a small appointment in the doctoral program of the School of Human and Organizational Development at Fielding Graduate University.
My Interest Areas:
dialogic communication, transforming communication, communication research and theory
Fielding is a graduate university for mid-career professionals. My role includes teaching and directing research and practice about communication, dialogue, and making better social worlds.
Other Organizations:
Public Dialogue Consortium is a nonprofit “in the public interest.” We seek to improve the quality of public communication, working primarily with local and regional governments and residents.
Where to Find My Work:
Pearce, W. B. (2007) Making social worlds: A communication perspective. Wiley-Blackwell. Pearce, W. B. & Littlejohn, S. W. (1997). Moral conflict: When social worlds collide. Sage. Pearce, W. B. (1994, 2007). Interpersonal communication: Making social worlds. University Publishing Solutions. Pearce, W. B. (1989). Communication and the Human Condition. Southern Illinois University Press.
My Favorite Links:
Pearce Associates (my for-profit organization) www.pearceassociates.com The Public Dialogue Consortium www.publicdialogue.org The Transforming Communication Project www.TCPcommunity.org The Dialogue, Deliberation and Public Engagement graduate certificate program http://www.fielding.edu/programs/ce/ddpe
