Regional Business Education Issues: South Texas Employers And Faculty Rate Communication And Technology Skills

Abstract

Business communication courses teach written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on using technology. With a goal of meeting stakeholder needs, this study asks 221 South Texas employers and 212 faculty members of a regional university to rate employees’ and students’ communication skill competencies. The survey asked 12 questions—four about written competencies, five on verbal, and three on technology skills. Employers consistently rated employees higher than faculty rated students.  The ratings offer implications for the business communication course: Employers and faculty are satisfied with technology skills, but basic grammar and punctuation need improvement.