The Status of the Business Communication Course at U.S. Colleges and Universities

Abstract

This study examines the current status of the introductory business communication course at colleges and universities across the United States. Using data collected during the spring of 2008 from a national sample of 505 instructors, this study reveals a number of pedagogical and programmatic insights about (1) major course sponsors; (2) academic levels at which the course is taught; (3) instructors’ ideal and actual class sizes; (4) use of distance learning; (5) content coverage; and (6) required learning assignments. Findings from this study are compared with results from previous audits. Future research ideas as well as implications for business communication education are presented.

Written and Computer-Mediated Accounting Communication Skills

“…On a rank basis, results of this research parallel the coverage levels found in Russ (2009). The importance rating for "effective use of email" in this research was (M = 4.50, SD = 0.66), with importance for "effective use of instant/text messaging" significantly lower (M = 2.37, SD = 1.27).…”

“…Major categories were derived from the same literature (Christensen & Rees, 2002;Russ, 2009) from which the individual skills were drawn.…”

The Importance Of Oral Presentations For University Students

“…Graduates are expected to enter industry with the ability to communicate effectively. In that way, university must provide students with communication skills demanded by employers (Russ, 2009). Communication skills are required by students (future specialists) whether they are expected to give presentations at conferences, symposia or other meetings.…”

Business Communication Curricula Today

“…Since Knight's study of exemplary programs, several studies have been conducted using a survey methodology to assess business communication curricula and instruction (Russ, 2009;Wardrope, 2002;Wardrope & Bayless, 1999). Although these studies were based on voluntary survey data and cannot be assumed to be representative of all undergraduate business programs, they do provide useful results that seem to be suggestive of patterns within business communication curricula.…”

“…have reported on instructor and administrator perceptions of curricular offerings and course content rather than examining course requirements and descriptions; additionally, with the exception of Russ (2009), all of the studies were, like Knight's, pub-lished several years ago.…”