Handbook of Public Administration, 3rd Edition

Chapter 30Communicating Effectively

James L. Garnett

Communication is the sharing of meaning among individuals, groups, organizations, or nations using verbal (e.g., letters, reports, emails, and other media that use words) or nonverbal media (e.g., gestures, expressions, electronic signals, and other media that do not use words). The degree to which public administrators and other professionals can share meaning effectively is central to their success and the success of their organization. Although President Obama's major initiative thus far, the Affordable Care Act, and the most significant policy initiative in United States health care in decades, was passed by Congress, signed into law by the president, and upheld by the Supreme Court, ...