Examines fundamental rhetorical constructs that students and business professionals should consider when analyzing textual and financial information contained in corporations' annual reports. Discusses how students in business communication classes evaluate the rhetorical effectiveness of specific annual reports, as well as the ethics associated…

Explores how managers handle performance problems by isolating particular confrontive techniques recommended by managers. Addresses how these techniques enhance both alignment between managers and employees, and managerial control. Divides techniques into three categories: alternatives to confrontation, investigative actions, and fault finding.…

Investigates interpersonal communication in a high tech organization to test the association between high tech organizations and Western styles of symbolic interaction. Takes a diagnostic, rather than prescriptive, approach to organizational change. (MM)

Examines the frequency and types of evaluation research methods used in communication training programs. Finds that human resource (HR) trainers rarely conduct needs analyses while planning communication training programs, and that systematic and controlled evaluation research is not being undertaken to plan, implement, and assess communication…

Supports the use of issue advertising. Argues that speech communication scholars can facilitate the responsible and effective use of issue ads. Reviews critics and proponents of issue advertising. Develops a rationale to guide the practice of issue advertising. Examines issue advertising in the current pro-nuclear campaign. (MS)

Examines whether there is a positive relationship between public relations (PR) practitioners recommending socially responsible actions and PR practitioners participating in policy decisions. Finds a significantly positive relationship. Suggests that there is a link between public relations credibility and public relations responsibility. (MS)

Structure is the key to an effective crisis management plan. A crisis plan has to be simple, concise, and flexible. Presents 10 steps to create a crisis plan for school systems. (MLF)

Examines the role of information managers in the transfer of complex technologies. The discussion covers the need for reliable information to assist with the selection of appropriate technologies and market evaluation, to assess the effects of government policies and cultural differences, and to establish training objectives. (19 references)…

Advancement staff at the private Potomac School (Virginia) has evolved from a part-time volunteer to a six-woman team. The program has achieved high productivity and substantial success. The management style is characterized by teamwork, enthusiasm, mutual support, personal loyalty to the school, and some specialization. Volunteers are welcomed.…

The importance of communication between the college or university and its employees over health care reform is discussed. Communication needs that have emerged from the health care reform debate are examined, and elements in a successful organizational communication strategy are outlined. (MSE)

Offers guidance to childcare directors on handling public and parent relations during crisis situations (e.g., an outbreak of chicken pox, a child's death, or teacher's dismissal for reasons that cannot be disclosed). Recommends keen observation, risk management, and good planning. Offers suggestions for handling the situation before, during, and…

Describes a major reorganization and revision of policies and procedures manuals for Federal Express ground operations employees, occurring as a result of a field study and subsequent usability testing. Finds that usability increased substantially, users were satisfied with the quality of the new manuals, and Federal Express experienced…

Tips for editing effective college publications include developing a mission statement and using it for selecting appropriate articles; evaluating progress; regular correspondence with key constituencies; studying other periodicals; getting ideas from readers; inviting guest editorials; reading all institutional publications; reviewing back…

The University of Delaware developed an intelligent mail server to provide easy, inexpensive access to institutional information for faculty, staff, and students on any node, machine, or operating system on the campuswide computing network. Security concerns have been addressed. The small investment has returned immediate benefits. (MSE)

Describes ways of improving communications at all levels of residential camp program. Discusses appropriate means of giving information to staff and campers. Focuses on director-staff communication. Emphasizes value of well-planned precamp orientation, ongoing season communication, and regular staff meetings and conferences. Suggests postcamp…