Conceptualizing Empathy Competence: A Professional Communication Perspective

Melissa Fuller; Elanor Kamans; Mark van Vuuren; Marca Wolfensberger; Menno D.T. de Jong

doi:10.1177/10506519211001125

Conceptualizing Empathy Competence: A Professional Communication Perspective

Melissa Fuller, Elanor Kamans, Mark van Vuuren, Marca Wolfensberger, Menno D.T. de Jong

Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

Abstract

Empathy competence is considered a key aspect of excellent performance in communication professions. But we lack an overview of the specific knowledge, attitudes, and skills required to develop such competence in professional communication. Through interviews with 35 seasoned communication professionals, this article explores the role and nature of empathy competence in professional interactions. The analysis resulted in a framework that details the skills, knowledge, and attitudinal aspects of empathy; distinguishes five actions through which empathy manifests itself; and sketches relationships of empathy with several auxiliary factors. The framework can be used for professional development, recruitment, and the design of communication education programs.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	333-368
Journal	Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Volume	35
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/10506519211001125
Publication status	Published - 1 Jul 2021
Externally published	Yes

Funding

The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was made possible with the financial support of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, Doctoral Grant for Teachers, under Grant #023.005.094.

Funders	Funder number
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek	023.005.094
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

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Conceptualizing Empathy Competence: A Professional Communication Perspective

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