Teaching Business Communication is packed with a wealth of new ideas you can use to add value to your course and make it more instructive.

Combating Communication Corruption: Strategies to Conquer Cheating, Plagiarism, and Abuse


Business communication instructors equip students with essential skills for navigating the professional world. However, they also confront challenges like academic dishonesty and disruptive behavior, which can hinder the learning process and create a hostile environment. This article explores effective strategies for addressing cheating, plagiarism, and verbal abuse, taking into account the evolving landscape of education and the increasing importance of cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence.

Combating Cheating and Plagiarism in a Digital Age

Cheating and plagiarism undermine the learning process and deprive students of developing crucial communication skills. To combat these issues, instructors must establish clear expectations and consequences, as outlined in the syllabus and reinforced throughout the course. This includes defining plagiarism and cheating, outlining penalties, and emphasizing academic integrity. [1]

Technology plays a significant role in both preventing and enabling academic dishonesty. Instructors can utilize plagiarism detection software like Turnitin, Copyleaks, or Grammarly, while acknowledging their limitations. Designing assessments that require original thought, employing diverse exam versions, and incorporating in-class writing and presentations can further discourage cheating. [2] The rise of online and hybrid learning environments presents unique challenges, such as contract cheating and unauthorized online resource use. Exploring online proctoring tools, while carefully considering ethical implications and student privacy, can be a part of the solution.

When incidents occur, addressing them promptly and consistently according to institutional policies is crucial. Meeting with the student privately, documenting the incident, and determining appropriate consequences can discourage future violations. [3]

Navigating Verbal Abuse and Disruptive Behavior

Verbal abuse and disruptive behavior threaten a productive learning environment and undermine instructor authority. Setting clear expectations for respectful communication and behavior in the syllabus and consistently reinforcing them is essential. [4]

Addressing cultural sensitivity is paramount when navigating these issues. Recognizing that communication styles and perceptions of disrespect vary across cultures is crucial. Instructors should strive for inclusivity, respecting diverse perspectives and providing support for students from different cultural backgrounds.

If a student engages in verbal abuse or disruptive behavior, the instructor should remain calm and professional while firmly addressing the issue. This may involve asking the student to leave, ending the conversation, or involving security if the situation escalates. [5] Documenting the incident and following up with the student and relevant administrators is essential.

Instructors must also prioritize their own well-being by setting boundaries, such as limiting communication to business hours and disengaging from abusive messages. Seeking support from colleagues, department heads, or campus resources is vital for navigating challenging situations. [6]

Cultivating a Positive and Inclusive Learning Environment

While addressing individual incidents is important, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment can prevent such issues. Building rapport with students, creating opportunities for engagement and collaboration, and modeling respectful communication are key. [7]

Emphasizing the role of emotional intelligence (EQ) can significantly enhance communication effectiveness. Understanding and managing emotions equips students to handle conflict, navigate difficult individuals, and maintain professionalism. Incorporating activities that develop EQ skills, such as role-playing, case studies, and self-reflection, can be highly beneficial.

Incorporating lessons on ethical communication, responsible research practices, and professional conduct into the curriculum is essential. Highlighting the real-world applications and consequences of these skills underscores the importance of integrity and respect in academic and professional contexts.

Microaggressions: Recognizing and Responding

Microaggressions, subtle but offensive comments or actions directed at a marginalized group, can significantly impact the learning environment. Instructors should define and provide examples of microaggressions that might occur in a business communication classroom, such as biased language or stereotypes. Offering guidance on how to respond effectively and promote respectful communication is crucial.

Navigating Academic Dishonesty and Disruptive Behavior Requires a Multifaceted Approach.

By setting clear expectations, utilizing technology effectively, addressing cultural sensitivities, and promoting emotional intelligence, instructors can create a more positive and inclusive learning environment. Exploring restorative justice and emphasizing the significance of ethical communication further contribute to a culture of respect and integrity, both within the classroom and beyond.

References

[1]: Charles R. Knapp et al., "Promoting Academic Integrity: Strategies for Preventing Cheating and Plagiarism," in The Routledge Companion to Business Ethics, ed. Tobey Scharding (New York: Routledge, 2021), 291-304.

[2]: Edward J. White and M. Lance Frazier, "Detecting and Discouraging Plagiarism in Business Communication Courses," Business and Professional Communication Quarterly 81, no. 3 (2018): 279-298.

[3]: Knapp et al., "Promoting Academic Integrity."

[4]: Amy D'Olivo and M'Liss Hindman, "Incivility in the Classroom: A Model for Prevention," Business and Professional Communication Quarterly 84, no. 2 (2021): 223-240.

[5]: Ibid.

[6]: D'Olivo and Hindman, "Incivility in the Classroom."

[7]: White and Frazier, "Detecting and Discouraging Plagiarism."

Excellence in Business Communication is the ideal textbook for instructors facing challenges like academic dishonesty and disruptive behavior. The text proactively addresses these issues by emphasizing ethical decision-making, professional communication, and personal integrity throughout its content. Its practical, applied approach helps students understand the real-world consequences of their actions and choices. By fostering a culture of respect and responsibility, Excellence in Business Communication equips students with the mindset and skills needed to succeed both academically and professionally.

Comprehensive instructor resources make Excellence in Business Communication an invaluable tool for creating a positive, productive learning environment. The text's engaging examples, case studies, and interactive exercises encourage active learning and critical thinking, reducing the likelihood of cheating and plagiarism. Its emphasis on collaborative problem-solving and respectful dialogue helps prevent verbal abuse and disruptive behavior.

Excellence in Business Communication's focus on real-world applications and ethical dilemmas prepares students for the challenges they will face in their careers. By integrating topics like corporate social responsibility and professional ethics, the text helps students develop a strong moral compass and a commitment to integrity. As a result, Excellence in Business Communication not only supports instructors in dealing with classroom challenges but also sets students up for long-term success in business.

May 6, 2024
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Teach Your Students about the Rise of Empathy-driven Communication in the Digital Age

two men in split screens looking a their computersNote: To make this article more convenient for classroom use, it includes discussion questions and answers at the end.

The digital revolution has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we communicate. However, the abundance of communication tools, from email to social media, has also created a space where genuine human connection can be lost in the digital noise. This has led to a growing trend in empathy-driven communication, where businesses prioritize fostering genuine connection and understanding with their audiences.

This shift is driven by several factors. Firstly, consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity and transparency from the brands they engage with. A 2023 study by Edelman found that 86% of global consumers expect businesses to act with purpose and stand up for what they believe in, highlighting the growing demand for brands to connect with their audience on a deeper level. Additionally, the rise of social media has empowered consumers to voice their opinions and hold businesses accountable, making it essential for companies to prioritize building trust and understanding with their customers.

Empathy-driven communication manifests in various ways:

Personalization at scale: Businesses are leveraging the power of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to personalize communication to individual needs and preferences. This goes beyond just using customer names; it involves understanding the emotions and motivations behind someone's interaction with the brand. For instance, retailers might use AI to recommend products based on past purchases and browsing behavior, while customer service chatbots can be programmed to identify emotional cues and tailor their responses accordingly.

Human-centric content: Gone are the days of dry, corporate jargon. Businesses are increasingly creating content that resonates on an emotional level, using storytelling, humor, and vulnerability to connect with their audience. This shift is evident in marketing campaigns and social media content, which often utilize personal stories, user-generated content, and authentic voices to engage viewers.

Active listening and responsiveness: Businesses are recognizing the importance of active listening and engaging in two-way communication. This involves employing social listening tools to understand the conversations happening online around their brand and actively seeking feedback from customers and employees. For example, a company might use social listening platforms to monitor customer sentiment and address any concerns promptly, demonstrating responsiveness and a willingness to engage with their audience.

Focus on mental health and well-being: Recognizing the impact of the digital world on mental well-being, businesses are adopting a more compassionate and understanding tone in their communication. This manifests in practices such as encouraging breaks from technology, promoting healthy online interactions, and offering resources to support mental health within their communities. For instance, an airline company might include tips on combatting travel anxiety in their pre-flight emails, demonstrating their understanding of the potential anxieties associated with travel.

Why is empathy-driven communication important?

In a world saturated with information and competing for attention, people crave genuine connection. Empathy-driven communication allows businesses to:

Build stronger relationships: By demonstrating empathy, businesses foster trust and loyalty with their customers, employees, and other stakeholders. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and brand advocacy.

Enhance brand reputation: When businesses show they care about their audience and go beyond transactional interactions, they create a positive brand image and differentiate themselves from competitors. This can attract new customers, investors, and talent.

Improve employee engagement: By fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, businesses can create a more positive and productive work environment. Studies have shown that employees who feel valued and understood by their employers are more engaged, productive, and loyal.

Looking ahead:

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect empathy-driven communication to become even more crucial. Businesses that prioritize genuine human connection, leverage new technologies ethically, and demonstrate genuine care for their stakeholders will be well-positioned to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of business communication.

Discussion Questions and Answers:

1. How can businesses find the right balance between personalization and respecting user privacy when implementing empathy-driven communication strategies?

Answer: Striking a balance between personalization and privacy requires careful consideration. Businesses can utilize data and AI responsibly by:

Being transparent about data collection and usage: Clearly communicate what data is collected, how it is used, and provide options for users to control their data privacy.

Focusing on first-party data: Leverage data collected directly from users with their consent, rather than relying solely on third-party sources.

Using data for targeted content, not intrusive marketing: Personalize content based on user preferences, but avoid overly targeted advertising that feels intrusive.

2. While empathy-driven communication offers many benefits, are there potential drawbacks or challenges businesses need to be aware of when implementing it?

Answer:  While beneficial, empathy-driven communication has potential drawbacks:

Increased vulnerability: Businesses may face criticism or backlash if their attempts at empathy are perceived as inauthentic or disingenuous.

Emotional labor for employees: Implementing empathy-driven communication can place additional emotional demands on employees, who need support and resources to manage these interactions effectively.

Maintaining consistency across various communication channels: Businesses need to ensure their empathetic approach is consistent across all communication channels, from marketing to customer service.

3. How can businesses leverage emerging technologies like AI and machine learning to enhance empathy-driven communication, while also ensuring responsible and ethical usage?

Answer: Businesses can leverage technology by:

Using AI to understand audience sentiment: Analyze social media conversations and customer feedback to identify emotional trends and adjust communication accordingly.

Developing AI chatbots capable of empathetic responses: Train chatbots to recognize and respond to emotional cues, offering a more human-like experience.

Prioritizing ethical development and transparent use of AI: Ensure AI is developed and used responsibly, avoiding any biases or discriminatory practices.

These are just a few examples, and the discussion can be further expanded upon by considering specific scenarios, industry dynamics, and ethical considerations involved in implementing empathy-driven communication strategies.

Excellence in Business Communication
Excellence in Business Communication emphasizes empathy as a critical skill for effective communication. Here are some ways teaches students about empathy:

Definition and Importance: The textbook starts by defining empathy and explaining its significance in business communication. It discussis how empathy helps in understanding others' perspectives, building trust, and fostering positive relationships in the workplace.

Case Studies and Examples: To illustrate the concept of empathy, the textbook provides case studies and real-life examples of situations where empathy played a crucial role in resolving conflicts, negotiating deals, or providing excellent customer service.

Role-Playing Exercises: Engaging in role-playing exercises can help students develop empathy by putting themselves in different scenarios and practicing active listening and understanding others' emotions and viewpoints.

Communication Techniques: The textbook offers specific communication techniques for demonstrating empathy, such as paraphrasing, asking open-ended questions, and using nonverbal cues like nodding and maintaining eye contact.

Cross-Cultural Communication: Understanding cultural differences is essential for demonstrating empathy in a diverse business environment. The textbook includes chapters or sections on cross-cultural communication, teaching students to be sensitive to cultural nuances and differences in communication styles.

Ethical Considerations: Empathy is closely tied to ethics in business communication. The textbook discusses ethical considerations related to empathy, such as respecting others' privacy, avoiding manipulation, and maintaining honesty and integrity in interactions.

Feedback and Reflection: Providing feedback on students' communication skills and encouraging reflection on their experiences can help reinforce the importance of empathy and identify areas for improvement.

Overall, Excellence in Business Communication takes a practical approach to teaching empathy, combining theoretical concepts with real-world examples and interactive exercises to help students develop this crucial skill.

April 23, 2024
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H&M’s “Conscious” Clothing: Sustainable Savior or Greenwashing Sham?

Discussion Questions and Answers:

1. Balancing Sustainability and Transparency:

Companies like H&M can avoid greenwashing by focusing on specific and verifiable claims about their sustainability initiatives. This includes providing data, using clear language, and avoiding vague terms like "eco-friendly" without explanation.

Transparency is key. Companies should disclose their entire environmental footprint, not just highlight selective positive aspects. This fosters trust and allows stakeholders to understand the ongoing efforts and areas for improvement.

Focus on progress, not perfection. Communicating concrete steps taken and measurable goals for the future demonstrates genuine commitment, even if the journey is ongoing.

2. Bridging the Gap and Managing Expectations:

Acknowledge the inherent challenges of their business model and its impact on sustainability goals. Honesty builds trust and avoids misleading portrayals.

Focus on long-term vision and commitment to evolving the business model towards greater sustainability. Outline concrete steps and timelines for progress.

Engage in open dialogue with stakeholders like consumers, environmental groups, and investors. This allows for feedback, fosters collaboration, and helps manage expectations.

Use communication strategically to educate consumers about the complexities of achieving sustainability in their industry. This fosters understanding and avoids unrealistic expectations.

By implementing these strategies, companies like H&M can navigate the complex landscape of sustainability communication, build trust with stakeholders, and avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing.

How the Excellence in Business Communication Addresses This Scenario

Excellence in Business Communication includes several core concepts directly relevant to the H&M case. Here's how those concepts might be explained:

  • Ethical Communication: The concept of balancing transparency with promotional messaging in the context of sustainability relates directly to ethical business communication. The textbook covers:

    • Identifying misleading or exaggerated claims.
    • The importance of truthfulness and avoiding deceptive practices.
    • How to back up claims with reliable data and evidence.

  • Balancing Stakeholder Interests: This textbook explores the need to consider and address the viewpoints of multiple stakeholders. H&M must balance the messaging for:

    • Environmentally conscious consumers: Expect transparency and genuine change.
    • General consumers: May focus on price and trends.
    • Shareholders: Desire profitability and growth.
    • Employees: Seek job security, fair treatment, and a company they believe in.

  • Navigating Complex Expectations: Communicating sustainability in an era of intense scrutiny falls under this category. The textbook covers:

    • Audience analysis: How to understand different groups' values and communication preferences.
    • Crisis communication: Proactively addressing potential criticisms or accusations of greenwashing.
    • Reputation management: Building long-term trust through consistent, values-driven messaging.

Key Lessons for Business Communication Students

The H&M case presents a valuable real-world scenario that highlights several critical lessons from the world of business communication:

  • The Power (and Risk) of Sustainability Claims: Sustainability is a major selling point, but audiences are vigilant against greenwashing.
  • Transparency is Not Optional: Companies must be willing to be open about successes and shortcomings, acknowledging the complexities involved.
  • Ethical Dilemmas are Inherent: Businesses often operate with competing interests and imperfect solutions, requiring careful message balancing.
  • Nuance Matters: Simple "good vs. bad" narratives don't capture the reality of corporate efforts. Students must learn to communicate progress and plans without misleading.
February 23, 2024
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Lost in Rome, Ignored at Home: CEO Finally Answers After Online Shaming Storm

Ripped from the Headlines: United AirlinesANSWERS TO DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How can CEOs effectively communicate with frustrated customers during a crisis, balancing personal engagement with the risk of appearing inauthentic or staged?

Balancing act: CEOs need to find a middle ground between:

Authentic empathy: Showing genuine understanding and concern for the customer's situation.

Transparency and accountability: Acknowledging mistakes and outlining concrete steps to resolve the issue.

Maintaining professionalism: Avoiding excessive drama or apologies that sound scripted.

Effective strategies:

Respond promptly and publicly: Acknowledge the issue on social media or relevant platforms where the customer raised it.

Express genuine empathy: Use sincere language that validates the customer's frustration.

Offer specific solutions: Explain what is being done to address the issue and provide a timeline for resolution.

Be transparent: Share details without making excuses or blaming others.

Listen and engage: Encourage further communication and answer questions openly.

Personalize the response: If appropriate, a personal apology from the CEO can demonstrate commitment.

Avoiding inauthenticity:

Be consistent with past actions: Actions must match words to avoid appearing disingenuous.

Avoid scripted language: Use genuine and personalized language.

Focus on solutions, not excuses: Don't blame external factors or deflect responsibility.

Stay professional: Avoid emotional outbursts or unprofessional language.

2. Public shaming for customer advocacy: Can it be ethical and effective? Discuss communication strategies, potential harm, and impact on companies and customer relationships.

Ethical considerations:

Proportionality: The severity of the shaming should be proportional to the offense.

Targeting: Aim criticism at the responsible party, not innocent individuals.

Accuracy: Ensure information shared is accurate and verifiable.

Intent: Avoid personal attacks and focus on constructive criticism.

Potential harm:

Reputational damage to company and individuals: Can go beyond the specific issue and harm innocent employees.

Escalation of conflict: Can create hostility and make resolution more difficult.

Unintended consequences: May impact other customers and employees negatively.

Effective communication strategies:

Focus on facts and evidence: Present a clear and factual account of the issue.

Direct criticism responsibly: Target the relevant parties and avoid personal attacks.

Seek constructive solutions: Propose solutions and engage in dialogue with the company.

Maintain respectful communication: Avoid inflammatory language and harassment.

Impact on companies and customer relationships:

Can pressure companies to take action: Public shaming can be a powerful tool for change.

Can damage customer trust: If mishandled, it can alienate customers and harm relationships.

Can create fear and silence: Fear of public shaming can deter legitimate customer complaints.

Overall, public shaming can be a double-edged sword. It can be effective in driving change, but it's crucial to consider the ethical implications, potential harm, and responsible communication strategies before resorting to it.

Remember, the goal is to achieve a fair and just resolution, not simply inflict harm. Encourage students to consider alternative approaches like direct communication, formal complaints, or seeking media attention through ethical channels before resorting to public shaming.

February 17, 2024
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A Personal Note from Court Bovee and John Thill

Subject: The Thrill of Business Communication in a Dynamic World

Exciting times lie ahead for business communication educators! Current events constantly offer real-world examples that can motivate and energize students, propelling them towards even greater success.

We understand the challenge of incorporating real-world scenarios into your curriculum. That's why in upcoming posts, I'll be providing a selection of the posts mentioned below, featuring actual companies, their communication challenges, and suggested discussion prompts with insightful answers.

We believe this practical approach is key to successful teaching. My coauthor and I have always integrated numerous real-world examples from diverse companies within our textbooks. However, my LinkedIn content will stand out for its immediacy. That's why I'm launching a series titled "Ripped from the Headlines."

Get a sneak peek at upcoming titles:

How Airbus Mastered Multilingual Communication

Effective Communication Saved the Day at Amazon

Dropbox: Leveraging Communication for Remote Collaboration

Domino's: Mastering the Art of Business Communication

Peloton Found Its Rhythm Through Business Communication

Uber: The Impact of Business Communication on Conflict

Five Lessons in Business Communication (the Hard Way): Equifax

Ikea's Recipe for Global Harmony

In a separate series called "Optimize Your Business Communication Instruction," I'll share the latest research findings on essential topics like visual communication, algorithms, business writing, interviewing and resumes, social media, listening, email, and reports.

Recognizing the complexities of business communication, I've created "The Mysteries of Business Communication" series. Dive into topics like:

The Body Language Enigma

The Power of Tone

The Nonverbal Void

The Power of Silence

Grasping Speaker Intent and Emotions

The Charisma Conundrum

Join the discussion in "What Do You Think," a thought-provoking series exploring:

Caught Between a Clock and a Camera: The Employee's Privacy Paradox

Like It or Like It Not: Navigating the Social Media Tightrope

Ha-Ha, or Huh-Oh: Office Humor's Minefield

In-Box Obituary: Is Email Dead or Evolving?

Finally, "Bovee & Thill Playbook: Unmasking the Secrets of Business Communication in 2024" offers insights into:

The Magic of AI and Visuals in Messaging

Presentation Skills with Next-Gen Performance Solutions

The Trojan Horse of the Mind: Why Stories Conquer (and Win Hearts)

Emotional Insights at the Speed of Light: Microexpressions

As pioneers in covering digital communication in business communication textbooks, we were the first to cover social media, mobile communication, and artificial intelligence. Naturally, our most extensive coverage of AI appears in the highly acclaimed 14th edition of "Excellence in Business Communication." We appreciate the positive feedback it has received and encourage you to explore it yourself. You can obtain an examination copy by clicking here.


Want to receive these posts as soon as they're published? Join my group, Teaching Business Communication, on LinkedIn! Over 3,400 members enjoy weekly updates and engage in discussions.  Click here to join.


All the best,

Court Bovee
John Thill

February 15, 2024
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Cardi B, Kim K, and the Price of Poor Disclosure: A Business Communication Lesson

ANSWERS:

Here's a breakdown of the questions and how to approach answers, considering some ethical complexities involved:

Question 1: Does pairing health-focused products with popular influencers create a false sense of scientific legitimacy or medical endorsement?

Yes, it often can. Many influencers don't have qualifications in health, nutrition, or medicine. Their popularity arises from other factors (aesthetics, entertainment value, etc.). When they promote health products, it can mislead audiences into thinking there's more scientific backing than there is.

The "Halo Effect": We trust people we like or find attractive. Their presence alongside a product makes us favorably disposed towards it, even without solid evidence.

Companies intentionally do this: They know influencers will boost sales even if the influencer lacks genuine expertise.

Question 2: How can companies avoid this perception?

Transparency: Clear disclaimers that an influencer is not a medical professional, and their statements shouldn't replace advice from a doctor.

Vetting: Work with influencers who align with evidence-based health practices. Someone selling detox teas is probably not a great choice if a company truly cares about the science behind their products

Tone Down Claims: Instead of making big promises, focus on how a product might fit into a balanced lifestyle. Avoid sounding like the influencer is prescribing medication.

Question 3: When should influencers refuse lucrative partnership opportunities due to ethical concerns surrounding the product or messaging?

This is a personal line each influencer must draw, but here are situations where refusal is likely warranted:

Conflicts of Interest: If the product goes against the influencer's normally stated beliefs (e.g., a vegan influencer promoting a meat-heavy diet for money).

Dishonesty: When the influencer knows the claims about the product are deceptive or exaggerated.

Potential Harm: If there are known risks associated with the product, especially if the influencer's followers are a particularly vulnerable demographic.

Gut Feeling: If something makes them genuinely uncomfortable, even if they can't pinpoint the exact reason, sometimes listening to one's internal ethical compass is necessary.

Additional Thoughts

Regulation is lacking in this space, allowing dubious practices to continue. Consumers and influencers themselves need to be aware of these marketing tactics.

Critical thinking is needed by consumers. Don't trust health claims from someone just because they're famous or look fit.

Fame doesn't equal knowledge. A huge following does not equal medical expertise.

By dissecting real-world situations like these, and as in done in Excellence in Business Communication, 14th Edition, business communication students learn to think critically about messaging, ethics, and audience perception. They recognize the power of persuasive techniques and identify instances where those techniques cross into manipulation. Analyzing "ripped from the headlines" scenarios demonstrates the real risks when communication goes wrong, preparing students to become thoughtful and responsible communication professionals.

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Subject: Spark Student Interest in Business Communication with "Ripped from the Headlines" Discussions

Dear Business Communication Instructor,

Want to prove your subject matter isn't just theory? This newsletter links your lessons to THIS WEEK'S news – crisis communication fails, deepfakes, AI blunders, and more. It's packed with ready-to-use talking points to show students how their business communication skills will be essential in their future careers.

This headline supercharges student motivation with these key strategies:

Extrinsic Motivation: It directly links course material to potential career consequences, acting as an extrinsic motivator. Students understand that business communication isn't just about grades, but about real-world success.

Intrinsic Motivation: Analyzing current events and engaging in lively discussions fosters intrinsic motivation. This makes learning enjoyable and builds a positive association with the subject matter.

Relevance-Based Motivation: Demonstrating how current headlines relate to core concepts enhances motivation. Students see the subject as important and timely, boosting interest and engagement.

Need to streamline your lesson planning? This newsletter does the prep work for you! Each story links to a key business communication concept and includes thought-provoking discussion questions. We hope this makes your classes the ones students can't stop talking about!

This dynamic teaching is made possible with Excellence in Business Communication, a textbook that stands out with its unmatched focus on real-world skills and the rapidly evolving digital landscape. It features current headlines, explores the complexities of AI and deepfakes, and prioritizes ethical, adaptable communication in a way no other textbook does.

This contemporary approach means students won't just learn theories–they'll tackle the problems facing today's businesses. Emphasis on critical thinking and audience analysis prepares them to adapt to communication challenges on the horizon. With "Excellence," lessons transcend the classroom, ensuring graduates enter the workforce with a competitive edge.

The emphasis on building trust and authenticity in this era of heightened skepticism reinforces the value of true connection alongside technological efficiency. This is why Excellence in Business Communication is being so widely adopted by business communication instructors in 2024.

See the brochure for Excellence in Business Communication, 14th Edition: Video: . How Does Your Text Compare? . To request examination copies of Bovee and Thill's award-winning business communication textbooks (instructors only), visit this ordering page.

February 10, 2024
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Generative AI in the Business Communication Curriculum: Where Do We Go From Here?

As we’ve been tracking the development of intelligent communication technologies in our recent editions, augmented and automated writing systems have been the most intriguing innovation of them all. ChatGPT received most of the attention when OpenAI unleashed it on a mostly unsuspecting world last fall, but several hundred companies are now developing tools that promise to create or co-create anything from routine email messages and social media content to podcasts, presentations, and videos.

While the AI industry is clearly in the overheated early-hype phase with some of these products, intelligent capabilities are now widely available in the mainstream tools people use on the job, so it’s safe to say that generative AI technologies are on their way to becoming everyday business communication tools. With that in mind, it’s time to start teaching tomorrow’s professionals how to use them effectively and ethically—as we know many of you are already doing.

Looking ahead to the next edition of Business Communication Today we’ll be working on in the coming months, which topics would you like to see us cover? Here are some of the topics we’re considering:

  • Understanding the various roles that AI now has in workplace communication
  • Using AI efficiently, including tips on framing AI prompts
  • Learning specific ways to use AI for business communication, from co-creation to proofreading to technical aspects of media production
  • Assessing information quality risks with AI-generated material, including accuracy (getting bad information), scope (missing important facts or facets of a topic), currency (getting outdated information), and nuance (getting output that is close but lacks important interpretation)
  • Understanding ethical risks, including biases baked into AI systems and attribution issues surrounding the use of AI-generated content
  • Understanding legal risks, such as misusing intellectual property or inappropriately uploading secure content into AI engines
  • Dealing with the “soullessness” of AI-generated content and its potential impact on interpersonal communication

If you have any thoughts on how our textbooks can help you help students with these new tools, we would certainly value your input. Please share your thoughts at any of these venues:

 

Image by MOMO36H10 HH from Pixabay 

May 18, 2023
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