THE ACTUAL AND IDEAL STATUS OF UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION INSTRUCTIO

The purpose of this study was to determine the actual and ideal status of business communication instruction at the undergraduate level; and, as a result, provide impetus and a foundation for curriculum development, improvement, and/or changes in the area of business communication.;A review of literature showed that studies had been conducted to determine the current status of business communication instruction and on perceptions of business communication. The study sought to combine these two areas by presenting the current status, "what is" and perceptions of the ideal status, "what should be.".;Previous studies and articles indicated a need for broader curricular offerings. Since no studies could be found that addressed the issue of this particular study, a survey instrument was developed to study all possible courses presently being offered as well as those courses that should be offered in the area of business communication. Additional information was sought to determine whether institutions were giving students the options of obtaining either a major, minor, or concentration in the area of business communication.;The population for this study was institutions in the United States holding membership in the National Association for Business Teacher Education (NABTE).;The findings showed that there is a significant difference in what is being offered and opinions of what should be offered. Based on the findings of the study, some of the conclusions drawn were: (1) Business educators are not in agreement on the number of courses needed in business communication nor on the specific titles of these courses. (2) Classes of 25 or fewer students are preferred by most respondents. (3) The realization that some institutions are providing additional options that equip students with communication skills that meet the needs of business and industry may provide incentive for other institutions to consider changes in present offerings.;Major recommendations made based on the findings and conclusions are: (1) More business communication courses should be offered. (2) NABTE member institutions should consider additional curricular options for their students.