A study was conducted (1) to determine current practices in word processing installations in selected organizations throughout the United States, and (2) to ascertain anticipated future developments in word processing as well as to provide recommendations for educational institutions that prepare workers for business offices. Seven interview instruments were created and administered by members of Delta Pi Epsilon to various types of word processing personnel, secretaries, managers, and equipment vendors. A total of 341 organizations were surveyed with 336 usable responses. Some of the conclusions drawn through analysis of the data collection are the following: employment opportunities for word processing personnel will continue to grow in the next 5 years; competencies needed by secretaries and word processing personnel include transcription skills, typing with speed and accuracy, listening and following directions, using a filing system, and organizational skills; and on-the-job training usually follows high school business skills training, with 3 months of training on magnetic tape equipment usually satisfactory. The information obtained from this study, literature review, comparison of related research, and analysis of data suggests that business education departments emphasize the following: typing with accuracy of at least 50 words per minute; using English correctly, and learning formatting procedures; exposing students to work measurement practices; stressing English skills; teaching the relationship between word processing and data processing; developing internship programs; and maintaining close contact with word processing users. (KC)