An Identification of Communication Skills, Problems and Issues for the Business and Professional Communication Course

• Main Author: Di Salvo, Vincent S
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01.04.1982
• Subjects: Business Communication; Communication Research; Communication Skills; Curriculum Development; Educational Needs; Job Skills; Organizational Communication; Research Needs; Speech Curriculum; Speech Instruction

In order to identify the demands, the skills, and the various contexts that students can expect to face in their chosen professions, organizational communication researchers need to conduct studies that will lead educators to make intelligent decisions regarding what should and should not be taught in business and professional communication courses. As one step in this direction, a review was conducted of more than 40 recent studies that addressed communication needs in the organizational setting. The review revealed that communication is one of the most important aspects of organizational activity. In terms of the skills most required in businesses, the review revealed seven deemed critical: (1) listening, (2) writing, (3) oral communication, (4) persuasion and motivation, (5) group problem solving, (6) interviewing, and (7) interpersonal competency. The review also suggested that educators should move away from a "lecture/discussion/multiple choice test" mentality toward an approach that offers students a more accurate or realistic picture of organizational life. (FL)