Business and Professional Communication Quarterly Sep 2016

Employer Perceptions of Oral Communication Competencies Most Valued in New Hires as a Factor in Company Success

Lorelei A. Ortiz St. Edward's University ; Michelle Region-Sebest St. Edward's University ; Catherine MacDermott St. Edward's University

Abstract

This article presents findings of a 2014 survey of 72 U.S. employers asking: Which oral communication skills are most utilized daily by new hires? Which oral skills are most important to company success? The study utilized Qualtrics to administer a mixed-methods, 12-question survey to employers of various sizes and across various industries. Findings show that employers rank (a) proper grammar use, (b) team communication, (c) ability to engage in conversation, (d) meeting participation, and (e) ability to speak well using the telephone as the most valued oral competencies for new hires as a factor in company success.

Journal
Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
Published
2016-09-01
DOI
10.1177/2329490615624108
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
grammar and mechanics
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Citation Context

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