Technical communication theory in the new millennium

Although the field of technical communication has developed considerably, there is still some resistance to theory from both practitioners and academics. The relationship between theory and application in the field of technical communication has received more attention in the last decade, with much of the theory "borrowed" from other disciplines. I contend that while using theories that are "native" to other fields is helpful for problem-solving and conducting research in the field of technical communication, it would also be beneficial and empowering to practitioners and academics if theories were developed from within the field of technical communication. These "new" theories can be created through borrowing, combining, invention, and research.