Technical Communication Quarterly Oct 2016

The Role and Value of Technical Communicators: Technical Communicators and Subject Matter Experts Weigh In

Tammy Rice-Bailey Milwaukee School of Engineering

Abstract

This qualitative study compares how technical communicators (TCs) and subject matter experts (SMEs) characterize the role and value of the TC. Seven TCs and eight SMEs participated in an investigation of the similarities and differences between the perceptions of these two groups. Key findings are that SMEs perceive of TCs as investigators, educators, and relationship builders; TCs talk about themselves in terms of investigators, interpreters, and audience advocates; and TCs are often uncomfortable discussing their value.

Journal
Technical Communication Quarterly
Published
2016-10-01
DOI
10.1080/10572252.2016.1221140
CompPile
Open Access
Closed
Topics
technical communication qualitative research
Export
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (5)

  1. Willers (2025)
    Lessons from a “Scholar on Fire” for a World on Fire: A Framework to Position T…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Cosgrove (2023)
    Finding the Gap: A Comparison of UX Industry Practices and UX Course Outcomes i…
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  3. Lam et al. (2019)
    Finding Stories in the Threads: Can Technical Communication Students Leverage U…
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  4. Mallette et al. (2019)
    Theory to practice: negotiating expertise for new technical communicators
    Communication Design Quarterly
  5. Shalamova et al. (2019)
    Evolving skill sets and job pathways of technical communicators
    Communication Design Quarterly

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    Technical Communication Quarterly
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CrossRef global citation count: 10 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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