Business Communication Curricula Today

Abstract

This article reports the results of a study examining the business communication offerings at the top 50 undergraduate business schools, as identified in the Bloomberg Businessweek rankings for 2011. The study focuses on communication course requirements, sequences, and programs, as well as what areas typically receive the most coverage within courses. The data are compared with information from similar studies dating back to 1999 in order to assess the current status of business communication courses and programs within business curricula and to make suggestions for future development.

Business Communication Practices From Employers’ Perspectives

“…The high ranking of electronic skills is not surprising given the current pervasive technological environment. A recent study shows that electronic skills are indeed receiving attention in business communication courses (Sharp & Brumberger, 2013). However, there are two noteworthy discussion points regarding the placement of electronic communication skills among the others in this study.…”

“…Additionally, in his review of business communication course curriculum, Russ (2009) placed "design and use visual aids" into a "public speaking" category (p. 400). These instances (Sharp & Brumberger, 2013).…”

Exemplary and Unacceptable Workplace Communication Skills

“…Furthermore, writing skills were shown to exhibit gaps between employers' expectations and new hires' abilities (Jones, 2011). Educational institutions report that they teach a combination of skills in their business communication courses, but this combination is still measured as mode of delivery (e.g., writing, oral) rather than specific skills (Sharp & Brumberger, 2013). The skills emphasized in these respective courses need refinement to narrow the gap.…”

An Updated and Expanded Nationwide Study of Business Communication Courses

“…The business communication course has undergone many changes during five decades, and periodic national audits and evaluations of the course have helped identify best practices and trends (David, 1982;Glassman & Farley, 1979;Knight, 1999;Moshiri & Cardon, 2014;Nelson et al, 1992;Nixon & West, 1993;Ober, 1987;Ober & Wunsch, 1983, 1991, 1995Persing et al, 1976;Russ, 2009;Sharp & Brumberger, 2013;Wardrope, 2002;Wardrope & Bayless, 1999). The most recent national study of the business communication course was Moshiri and Cardon's (2014) study from about 6 years ago.…”