Patricia A. Merrier

Student Attitudes Toward Written, Oral, and E-mail Communication:

Business communication students at two midwestern universities were polled on the first day of the 1995 spring term to determine their (1) written com naunication assignment likes Idislikes; (2) oral communication assignment likes/dislikes; (3) experience using e-mail; and (4) attitudes toward written, oral, and e-mail communication. The 144 respondents viewed oral communi cation less positively than they did either written or e-mail communication. Significant differences were found among overall ratings for oral, written, and e-mail communication. In addition, students with prior e-mail experience gave significantly higher ratings to it and to oral communication than did those who had not used e-mail.

Too Little, Too Late: Are Business Schools Falling behind the Times?.

Abstract There is an increasing criticism that business schools are not covering issues that are critical to businesses today. Using the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and disability disclosure as an example, this study surveyed educators in higher education and analyzed current textbooks to determine the extent of coverage on this topic. Of the 79% of the respondents indicating that they did discuss employment communication in their courses, only 45% discussed disability disclosure as part of their unit. This lack of coverage was consistent across all types and sizes of institutions. None of the 13 texts surveyed addressed disability disclosure. The implications of these findings for educators and curriculum are discussed.

Coming Face to Face with Disability: Human Resource Managers' Perspectives

Abstract Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) members were surveyed to determine what advice they would give to job seekers who have disabilities. Six disability categories were used: physical, learning, auditory, visual, chronic, and “other.” Although the majority of respondents favored direct disclosure of a disability at or after the employment interview, a sizable minority recommended indirect disclosure prior to the interview. SHRM members were also asked to assess their organizations environment as it relates to people with disabilities. Respondents perceived that their organizations provide a supportive working environment for people with disabilities.

The Extent To Which Students' Reactions To Usage Errors Change as a Result of Having Completed a Business Communication Course

Although formal instruction has been curtailed, basic skills have not diminished in importance (Warner, 1979; Vik, 1979; Stine and Skarzenski, 1979; Bennett and Olney, 1989). Instructors have simply sought other methods by which to improve such skills. The techniques employed have included use of tutorial software, diagnostic tests supplemented by independent study, and writing laboratories. Also, instructors have continued to hold students accountable for correct writing or speaking in

Speaking Out in Business Communications

(1981). Speaking Out in Business Communications. The Journal of Business Education: Vol. 56, No. 5, pp. 199-201.