These facts have formed the backdrop and theme of our text. While we systematically cover the standard topics usually taught in this course, we do not cover communication as an end but as a means for successful business action. In Chapter 1, Communication, Information, and Action, you'll read about the central importance of communication in organizational life, an idea that we emphasize through all other chapters. Our intent is to focus student and instructor attention on the decision-making/business action purposes of communication and how to shape communication and action using modern business tools.