Business Communication: Five Core Competencies

Reviewed by Deborah Brown, Associate Professor, Tidewater Community College on 6/12/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This textbook assist one in understanding all business communication is goal oriented and receiver-centric. It is reader-friendly and the format provides specific examples of the difference in business communication and regular communication. Information is direct and thought-provoking regarding expectations on why you are communicating and the concise message you want to convey.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The textbook has a competency-based approach to teaching the subject. It was developed by Doctors Kristen Lucas, Jacob D. Rawlins and Jenna Haugen at the University of Louisville. Information was researched and a framework was developed in providing building blocks aligned with the concepts and the objectives. These concepts are: Professionalism, Clear, Evidence-driven, Concise, and Persuasive.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

This textbook language transcend specific communicating contexts and genres. I believe this information is presented to a lot of our students where their attention span can grasp the course materials and move on. The chapters are short and concise and the examples are relevant to business practices today. Any future updates can easily be inserted if need.

Clarity rating: 5

The textbook include a detailed glossary and is written in a candescent clear manner. I have used several Business Communication textbooks but this text is more detailed and concise than any other text I have used in the past. Every topic and concept is broken down in a clear evidence-driven way. Each fact is support with details and in order.

Consistency rating: 5

The text is designed as if you are building a structure using concepts upon concepts. It is easily understood because of the organization of the course materials.

Modularity rating: 5

This textbook is broken down into smaller reading sections with headings. After each section within the chapter, there are examples of what had previously been discussed.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The course materials are relatable and connected and the flow of information that is clear, concise and organized.

Interface rating: 5

There is no confusion or distractions regarding how this text is formatted. Information is clear, for one can assess how to response to questions asked regarding the course materials.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

There were no grammatical errors I observed while reading this textbook.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The text pays attention to word choice when relating to cultural diversity. The language used is inclusive to address any scenario implemented in the textbook.

Comments

I believe this textbook is the wave of the future. The chapters are short and concise yet power-packed with detailed and informative information. In business communication this textbook is economical in teaching by saving money, time, and effort spent learning how to be an effective business communicator.

Reviewed by Shelley Wigley, Associate Professor, University of Texas at Arlington on 5/18/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The text covers a lot of information succinctly; it is clear and easy to understand. I appreciate the authors' approach to business communication and believe this text could be used by every type of professional - not just "business" professionals.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The information in the book appears to be accurate.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Very relevant. The text provides information to help students understand how they must communicate professionally in order to be successful and taken seriously in the workplace.

Clarity rating: 5

The book is clear, concise and organized extremely well. Content is easy to follow.

Consistency rating: 4

The text does a nice job with remaining consistent throughout and building on previously introduced concepts. The book does an excellent job of providing examples overall; however, I do wish the authors would have included an example for using social judgment theory when attempting to persuade someone. What does that look like, exactly?

Modularity rating: 4

Th modularity is pretty good; my only critique is that the text could easily incorporate more graphics and think about adding appropriate videos, etc. to break up the text. Students do not read these days and if they do, they often don't retain the information, so reinforcing ideas and concepts with visuals and videos is necessary.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Excellent; the information is organized well and makes logical sense.

Interface rating: 5

I had no problems navigating the text and saw no distorted images.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

I noticed just a few minor typos; overall, it was very well done.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The book does not include any culturally insensitive or offensive content.

Comments

Excellent text on how to communicate professionally, ethically, and effectively in the business world. I highly recommend this text.