A Maturity Model for Content Strategy Development and Technical Communicator Leadership

Kim Sydow Campbell University of North Texas ; Val Swisher

Abstract

While technical communication consultants and researchers agree that content strategy requires attention to both customer needs and business goals, we found no evidence that technical communication educators promote an accurate understanding of business goals among their content strategy students. Through industry–academia collaboration, we integrate two existing models, using content tactics within organizational characteristics that define the maturity level of an organization's content operations. Analyzing the current state of maturity for each characteristic highlights gaps that can define a content strategy with prioritized tactics and, ultimately, encourages the growth of technical communicator leadership and the empowerment of our profession.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2023-10-01
DOI
10.1177/00472816231171863
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