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Steve Rhodes

Emeritus Director 309 Sprau Tower (269) 387-3130

Education: Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
Areas of Expertise: Organizational communication, communication training and development, listening

Teaching Philosophy

I love teaching. I teach courses in listening, communication theory and research, small group decision making, and organizational communication at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. I believe that theory and research are important components of any academic program, but I've found that students respond more positively to these two components if they understand how to apply theory and research. Whenever possible I try to make my classes interactive and applied.

Courses I Teach

COM 200: Introduction to Communication Theory

A study of communication models and theories that are common to the fields of interpersonal, group, organizational, public and mass communication. This is a large lecture course with a small class atmosphere. (Course web page)

COM 201: Communication Inquiry

This course introduces students to the humanistic and social science traditions of inquiry into human communication. In other words, this is an introductory course to basic qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. (syllabus)

COM 335: Leadership

A study of the characteristics and behaviors of leaders from a theoretical perspective, with emphasis on the development of leadership abilities in the individual for different situations. (syllabus)

COM 482: Communication Processes in the Organization

This course is a systematic study of the communication processes in organizations at the individual, group, and organization-wide levels. Students learn strategic communication planning, including methods of organizing and evaluating information, identifying and solving communication problems, and applying organizational communication skills. (syllabus)

COM 600 Listening

Explores the role of listening in learning. Research in the field is examined and appraised. Listening tests are taken and discussed. Class members design listening projects or research projects. Focus increases sensitivity to the impact of speech (syllabus).

COM 601 Introduction to Graduate Study in Communication

Introduces COM graduate students to the research literature, methodology and theoretical domains of the communication discipline. Students will learn the standards of scholarly writing and be introduced to the criteria for choosing and evaluating research methodologies(syllabus).

COM 602 Communication Research

This course is an introduction to the methods of conducting communication research. Although an overview will be provided of all methodologies, the primary focus of the course will be on those applied methods associated with organizational communication. A lecture/discussion/experiential format will be used(syllabus).

COM 681 Group Communication Processes

A study of small group communication as it affects problem solving and decision making procedures. Emphasis will be on developing an understanding of how participants in problem solving groups work together and how they can be made more effective through leader facilitation. The student will have practical experience in studying problemsolving and decisionmaking methods (syllabus).

Research Interests

Over the years, I have written numerous articles, book chapters, and conference papers on topics related to listening, small group decision-making, leadership, effective interpersonal communication, and organizational communication. Most of my recent research has been conducted in the area of communication and sexual harassment. I collaborate in this area with Dr. Joann Keyton from The University of Memphis.

My Current Research

Keyton, J., & Rhodes, S.C. (1999). Organizational sexual harassment: Translating Research into Application. Journal of Applied Communication Research, special issue, 27, 158-173 (juried).

Rhodes, S.C. (2000). Organizational Change and Employee Dissatisfaction: A Case for Effective Listening. Manuscript submitted to Management Communication Quarterly.

I also serve as the editor for the International Journal of Listening.

Professional Activities

I serve as a consultant to a variety of organizations--ranging from small, local volunteer groups to Fortune 500 companies. Selected clients include: Whirlpool, Nippondenso, State Farm Insurance Company, and Battle Creek Health Systems.

My Life Outside the University

I am originally from Colorado. Ann and I will celebrate our 30th anniversary in March 2002. Ann is the Associate Budget Director at Michigan State University. We live in Marshall and enjoy home renovations, gardening, and running.