Reports on a study to determine the communication needs of various professions. Results indicated that communication is equally important for the professions represented in the study and though oral and written communications are both perceived as important, those questioned spent twice as much time using oral communication. (SRT)

Measures communication apprehension of 84 accounting seniors at an institution requiring significant communication skills training. Finds that the communication-skills component of the curriculum alone is not successful in alleviating communication apprehension in those students whose apprehension is above normal. Concludes that business educators…

Determines which oral communication skills are necessary for success in business, and which communication skills are in greatest need of improvement among persons in business. Reports that listening, message, and emotional behaviors stand out as the most important to success. (MM)

To analyze listening in relationship to other communication modes and to investigate the relative utility of four models for communication theory building research (national, psychological, organizational culture, and situational), a study examined the attitudes of middle level managers of six corporations regarding communication competencies…

Understanding organizational cultures offers important and useful insights for the professional communicator. The fastest-growing area of interest in the study of modern organizations and their behavior is that of organizational cultures. There are at least two specific ways to categorize and discuss these cultures. The first is to divide them…

Indicates the recognition on the part of chief executive officers that they are the company spokespersons and must have good communication skills in order to communicate effectively to the media and special interest groups. (EL)

Examines research from several fields and evaluates techniques for managing discomfort when making presentations. (Written for business communication teachers and presentation-skills trainers in business.) (PD)

Reviews gender scholarship most pertinent to professional communication as well as recent articles on professional communication that contribute to gender scholarship. Topics include gender and writing, reading, speaking language choice, visual communication, collaboration, content analysis, management, history and case studies. (NH)

A survey assessed the current status of the business and professional communication course. A questionnaire was completed by faculty members at 39 Texas colleges and universities. Results indicated that 66% of the institutions surveyed offer a course in business and professional communication (with titles such as Business Speech, Oral…

Responds to calls for explication of the theoretical basis of argument in negotiation. Uses four current argumentative perspectives to examine the nature and function of argument in organizational bargaining research, and concludes that Toulmin's argument field perspective offers the most thorough analysis of labor-management negotiations. (SKC)

To analyze listening in relationship to other communication modes, to investigate the relative utility of four models for communication theory building research (national, psychological, organizational culture, and situational), and to examine the relationship between organizational change and the modes of communication, a study examined the…

The communication activities and problems of 383 business and professional people in Hawaii were surveyed. The respondents reported spending the bulk of a typical work week engaged in giving instructions and making assignments, listening, talking face-to-face with employees, and conferring with clients. These interpersonal activities were related…

Examines how speaking/writing relationships help and hinder communication. Suggests ways to make business communication students aware of differences between speaking and writing. Identifies research needed to further understanding of these relationships in business communication. (PD)

A communication activities audit was completed by managers and technicians (N=213) from four high technology industries in a study conducted to examine the scope and kinds of communication activities of these professionals. Respondents' responsibilities ranged from lower middle-management/technical professional to senior-level management/technical…

Offers an overview of three broad areas studied by European researchers of business communication, focusing on the first area: the language and discourse of business events. Includes addresses for pertinent Web sites and contact information about conferences as well as research and teaching projects. (SR)