Business writing in academic and workplace contexts

Abstract

The focus of this paper is a research project conducted in three higher education sites and at a variety of work sites to compare the writing produced in business writing programmes with the writing practised in workplaces. The aim of this study was to determine whether business communication courses adequately prepare students for business communication in the world of work. Documents produced at both the higher education and workplace sites were studied, and surveys and interviews were done with students and their lecturers, and employees and employers. Data from the different contexts were then compared. The findings show patterns of alignment and non-alignment in the business writing practices of higher education and workplaces. Recommendations are made to better align classroom and work practices for the mutual benefit of student learning and workplaces.