Examines the content of president's letters of high and low performing firms to discover patterns in communication strategy. Finds six recurring themes: environment; growth; operating philosophy; markets and products; unfavorable financial reference; and favorable financial reference. Finds that high- and low performing firms can be correctly…

Compares 214 letters of inquiry written by native and nonnative speakers of English to test the assumption that cultural factors beyond language such as the knowledge of the business communication practices and cultural expectations greatly affect communication. Finds that native speakers' letters deviated less from U.S. business communication…

Combines the ideas of Erasmus, the Renaissance humanist, and Bakhtin, the twentieth-century Russian philosopher, into a unified theory of business correspondence. Presents both a set of guidelines and a model for the practice of dialogical correspondence. (SR)

Compares three letter libraries designed for IBM-style personal computers. Finds the quality of the three approximately equal, but rates sample letters as generally poor. (MS)

Examines the types of documents written by 23 executives/managers in 2 different companies, finding that the most frequently written documents are memorandums and letters. Notes implications for business writing courses. Suggests that students be required to prepare a wide variety of documents in business writing courses. (SR)

Compares American and French business correspondence with regard to format, organization, tone, and style. Argues that many of the differences result from cultural and value differences, French letters tending to be more formal and formatted differently. (RAE)

Discusses the results of a study addressing the issue of whether writers are aware of the distinction between real and implied readers. Presents several questions for investigation, including (1) "Does a writer's way of perceiving a reader affect contextual development?" and (2) "Do shifts occur in writers' conceptions of…

Interviewed managers of companies communicating between Hong Kong and California and found they employed seven basic methods: telex, letter, telephone, visit, courier, computer, and telegram. Revealed advantages and disadvantages of each method and recommended a number of safeguards against their misuse. (PD)

Surveyed the following aspects of managers' written communication: volume, medium (secretary, word processor, dictation unit), delegation, and kind (memos, letters, reports, forms). Found, among other conclusions, that managers expect a marked increase in the use of modern technology. Discusses implications for business education. (PD)

Shows how compliance-gaining theory (more accurately than the "bad news formula") can help to explain the content and style of two kinds of memos that deliver bad news from managers to subordinates. Finds that features of compliance gaining governing message production explicate the power base, verbal strategies and tactics, and…

Surveyed company executives to discover whether their attitudes toward business slang expressions, or "buzzwords," were as negative as attitudes generally encountered in academics and journalists. Results suggest that buzzwords are useful, can sometimes be expressive, and add precision and comfort to everyday business communication. (PD)

Discusses a survey of personnel officers that was designed to help perspective employees present themselves in the best possible way. The survey yielded data about the initial contact by job seekers, job application letters, and resumes. A copy of the survey instrument is included. (FL)

Analyzes an annual executive letter written by the director of a small New Zealand business which focuses on problems. Shows how these problems serve three functions: to distract attention from more serious issues, to undermine the credibility of potential challengers, and to provide a context in which the writer can present himself and company…

Offers data in support of providing business administration students with dictation training. (RL)

Compares the language of business writing students communicating face to face and on a real-time computer network. Finds that during network meetings, participation was more equal, responses more substantive and text specific, and students more willing to offer direction than during face-to-face meetings. Notes more positive evaluations by…