Showing papers on "Business communication published in 1984"

Managerial and Organizational Communication in Terms of the Conduit Metaphor

Abstract: Linguistic conceptions regarding what Reddy (1979) calls the “conduit metaphor” are applied to the teaching and practice of organizational communication. The argument is advanced that in “everyday” discourse and even current management textbooks, organizational communication frequently is explicated in terms of the conduit metaphor. Furthermore, it is suggested that the conduit metaphor implicitly engenders the assumption that successful communication is easy and requires little effort. The practical and research implications of this argument are examined.

Communicating in business and professional settings

Abstract: Designed for the business communication course, this lively text offers a blend of current theory and research within the context of actual organizations. The text focuses on communication in differing contexts, teaching students how to communicate in a variety of situations. Real life examples from a broad range of business and professional settings abound, reflecting the authors belief that theory and practice go hand in hand. The fourth edition includes new chapters on diversity, technology in the workplace, and conflict management, plus several new pedagogical features.

International Business Communication Practices

Abstract: One hundred major corporations, selected through a systematic random sampling technique, were surveyed to identify current practices in international business correspondence. A questionnaire was constructed to determine the foreign countries with which American companies correspond, the languages used in international business letters, the techniques used in translating foreign languages, the differences in letter formats and writing styles, and the communication skills needed by business people who correspond with foreign companies. In addition, samples offoreign business letters received and sent by these firms were analyzed to verify questionnaire responses and to determine technical differences between foreign correspondence received and sent. Sixty-six percent of the questionnaires were returned. Sixty-eight letters were analyzed.Information elicited from the questionnaires was grouped into the following three categories: language, writing style, and skills needed by foreign correspondents. Letter sa...

Qualitative Research: An Alternative to Quantitative Research in Communication

Abstract: The authors consider the proposition that the lack of research in communication could resuLt from research apprehension on the part of communication teachers, but conclude that a different "mind-set" toward research, not apprehension, might explain the paucity of research. They advance qualitative research as an alternative to (not a replacement for) quantitative research techniques in communication, define qualitative research and researchers, and propose a model of the interaction between the two types of research.

A study to determine the affect [sic] of introducing remedial English usage instruction in collegiate business communications

Abstract: The principal problem of this study was to compare student achievement in business letter writing and traditional coursework in business communications courses following an outline excluding remedial English usage instruction with student achievement in business communications courses following an outline including remedial English usage instruction. The second problem of this study was to compare the reliability of holistic grading with analytical grading when used to evaluate student achievement in business letter writing. This study was conducted Winter Quarter 1983 at Montana State University and Eastern Montana College. Students were given Barton's Language Skills Test for college students in business communications as a pretest. The pretest also included the writing of two business letters. Control groups received no formal instruction in remedial English fundamentals. The experimental group received instruction in remedial English fundamentals. The experimental group received instruction in remedial English fundamentals by the lecture-discussion method. After both groups completed the business letter writing unit, they took the postinstructional tests. These tests consisted of Barton's Language Skills Test and the writing of two business letters. The reliability of holistic and analytical grading was compared. Sample letters were scored by the holistic grading method by trained readers. Then these letters were scored analytically by the same trained readers. The reliability of these methods was determined by using Kuder-Richardson's formula. Two-way analysis of variance was used to statistically compare student achievement of the groups which received remedial English usage instruction with those students who did not receive this instruction. The findings of this study indicate that formal instruction in remedial English usage does not significantly affect a student's ability to write a business letter. However, this instruction does significantly increase student formal knowledge of English usage. The findings of this study also support the use of holistic grading for the judging of student achievement in business letter writing. A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE AFFECT OF INTRODUCING' REMEDIAL ENGLISH USAGE INSTRUCTION IN COLLEGIATE BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS •by Lorraine Machine Steerey . A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY Bozeman, Montana;

Listening: An Empirical Comparison of Discussion Length and Level of Incentive.

Abstract: This study was designed to compare strategies used to improve listening skills in business communication settings. It analyzed the effect of discussion length and incentive level on the ability of subjects to listen to and identify main points in twenty‐two short dialogues. The results suggest that both discussion length and incentive level have an effect on listening ability.

Telecommunications, Teleconferencing, and Business Communications

Abstract: This article describes telecommunications, which encompasses the electromagnetic transmission of information, and then examines an important subunit: teleconferencing. Teleconferencing is viewed fr...

Business communication: Theory and practice

Abstract: Hatch directs Business Writing to “business-communication instructors who wish to emphasize principles of writing as they apply to letters, memos, and reports” and Business communication: theory and practice to “business-communication instructors who wish to base their writing instruction on the psychological principles of communication” The only difference in the content of the two texts is that Business Communication has an additional 46 page section on communication theory These texts, identical in every other way except the binding, are strong texts that merit serious consideration for upper-division business writing courses, especially courses that emphasize correspondence rather than reports

Computer Software Review

Abstract: Traditionally the reviews in ABCA magazines have been of books; however, as our society and our discipline turn to the use of computers, and particularly to microcomputers, it seems appropriate to review microcomputer software as well. The reviews presented here-especially of Grarrtmatik and Punctuation + Style-are timely as well as appropriate since they are so directly related to business writing. These software reviews are presented to introduce to

Transmission and Retrieval of Information: Statements and Hypotheses for Research

Abstract: The impact of technology on communication is reviewed Four general variables relating to business communication systems and communication technology are analyzed: channeling which involves the direction, route, and destination of information; timing which includes the time factor between message receipt and transmission; editing which considers message modification; and abstracting which concerns summarizing major points of a message Fourteen statements that relate to information transmission and retrieval for each of these variables and their corresponding needed areas of research are presented These statements will enable business communicators to understand better the relationship between communication technology and business communication systems for future research considerations

Business communication skills: Principles and practice

Abstract: In what case do you like reading so much? What about the type of the business communication skills principle and practice book? The needs to read? Well, everybody has their own reason why should read some books. Mostly, it will relate to their necessity to get knowledge from the book and want to read just to get entertainment. Novels, story book, and other entertaining books become so popular this day. Besides, the scientific books will also be the best reason to choose, especially for the students, teachers, doctors, businessman, and other professions who are fond of reading.

Entropy and Business Communication

Abstract: This paper explores the relationship of the concept of entropy to business communications. It first details the history of the concept of entropy and its application to information theory focusing ...

Responses to Carter A. Daniel's Article "Remembering Our Charter: Business Communication at the Crossroads," Summer 1983

Abstract: I read Professor Daniel’s article with great interest. It makes some excellent points: the parallels with Education, English, and Sociology are apt; the pleas against too much method, analysis, and pomposity are persuasive. Not only that-his tone is particularly incisive and witty. Unfortunately, however, I believe his arguments go awry in two places. One mistake is his use of the word secondary. Although we should certainly not overstate our own importance, it does not follow that we should be second-class. To draw an analogy with the women’s movement, we should not claim that all women are superior, but neither should we relegate ourselves to being inferior. Daniel draws a false differentiation between &dquo;business communication&dquo; and &dquo;its great master, business.&dquo; What, after all, is &dquo;business&dquo;? Business includes accounting, marketing, finance, organizational behavior, and so forth. Business communication is one of the components for success in businessjust as the others are. None of them can stand alone; all are equally important. Second, I think he is off base with his concept of &dquo;style.&dquo; &dquo;Business communication&dquo; is

Communication training and consulting in business, industry, and government

Abstract: In the foreword to this book, Francis Weeks, Executive Director of the American Business Communication Association, says, “This book has been needed for a long time — since 1935, at least, when ABCA was founded.” The publication of this volume does indeed fill a void and will be welcomed by ABCA members and by any professional communicator with an interest in consulting.

Review Essay: Megatrends: Unshocking the Future:

Abstract: Books promising to reveal thefuture, like Megatrends and Future Shock, have been especially popular recently because the rapid changes in technology and culture make the future uncertain. A shift from an industrial to an information-based economy and culture began in the 1950's and will probably be complete by the end of the century. This shift is of special importance to those concerned about communication and its business application. Just as the importance of communication is increasing, the ways in which it is conceived of and taught are changing. To be able to take advantage of the expanding options made possible by technology, we need to identify and understand the cultural trends currently shaping the future.

A Design Method for Graphic Communication

Abstract: Business graphics has emerged as a significant applications area for computer graphics systems. Many business managers today have discovered the availability and potential benefits of computer graphics. Their appeal lies in their ability to generate graphs quickly that summarize the relations inherent in a set of data, and to make changes and revisions to the graphs quickly and easily. The ultimate purpose of the resulting graphs is the rapid apprehension (and possible retention) of these relationships. However, computers do not automatically create good graphs. They merely provide the tool for doing so quickly and easily. The design of good graphs must be based on

Business Communication Basics: Application and Technology

Abstract: This is a comprehensively researched, up-to-date text covering all normal business letter- and -report-writing situations, presented with a practical, straightforward approach. It explains what the effective business communicator will have to be able to deal with in standard written forms, from the letter to the report. It gives step-by-step guidance on how to apply for a job. The cloth edition of this book was published in February 1984.