Business and Professional Communication Quarterly Jun 2022

Developing Entry-Level Communication Skills: A Comparison of Student and Employer Perceptions

Mary Jae Kleckner ; Nikolaus T. Butz

Abstract

Persistent concerns about college graduates’ foundational skills for workforce preparedness compels educators to continue exploring ways to address them. Although effective communication is widely regarded as essential for entry-level professionals, which skills matter most may vary. Employers’ satisfaction with communication skills also shifts over time. This study compares regional employers’ and undergraduate business majors’ satisfaction with given communication skills and their perceptions about various skills’ importance. Results showed students rank importance and satisfaction similarly, and students’ satisfaction with their skills exceeded employers’. Regressions showed student satisfaction with specific skills predict their perceived importance. Implications for curriculum development are discussed.

Journal
Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
Published
2022-06-01
DOI
10.1177/23294906221078300
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Topics
writing across the curriculum

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (4)

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  1. Coffelt et al. (2020)
    Exemplary and Unacceptable Workplace Communication Skills
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  2. Coffelt et al. (2019)
    Employers’ Perspectives on Workplace Communication Skills: The Meaning of Commu…
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    Do Interns Know What They Think They Know? Assessing Business Communication Ski…
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    Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
  2. Reinsch et al. (2014)
    Do Communication Abilities Affect Promotion Decisions? Some Data From the C-Suite
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