Developing Core Communication Skills in an AI-Dominated World

Staying ‘Old School’

Authors

Keywords:

artificial intelligence, AI, technology, business communication, soft skills, core skills

Abstract

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has been a popular topic in education since the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022, and many research articles have been published addressing its use. This exploratory, mixed-method study of business communication instructors reports that many instructors are finding ways to use AI in their classes, and there are mixed beliefs about its impact on students' writing abilities. Practical suggestions for using technology are provided.

Author Biographies

  • Carol Wright, Stephen F. Austin State University

    Dr. Carol Wright is an Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of Business Communication and Legal Studies at Stephen F. Austin State University. She has published extensively and has a lengthy record as a conference presenter. Her research interests include business communication, professional development, and online learning.

  • Kayla Sapkota, Arkansas State University at Beebe

    Dr. Kayla Sapkota is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Business at Arkansas State University at Beebe.  She has engaged in extensive university curriculum development and assessment initiatives and has presented at various academic conferences. Her research interests include business communication, curriculum development, and learning technologies.

References

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. Freeman.

Bandura, A., & Locke, E. A. (2003). Negative self-efficacy and goal effects revisited. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88 (1), 87-99. https://doi.org/.10.1037/0021-9010.88.1.87

Bieger, T., & Kolmar, M. (2023, May 29). Examining, teaching, and learning in the age of generative AI: A first assessment of the consequences for higher education. Global Focus: The EFMD Business Magazine, 17(2), 22-27.

Cardon, P. W. (2024). Business communication: Developing leaders for a networked world (5th ed.). Mc-Graw Hill.

Cardon, P., Fleischmann, C., Aritz, J., Logemann, M., & Heidewald, J. (2023). The challenges and opportunities of AI-assisted writing: Developing AI literacy for the AI age. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 86 (3) 257-295. https://doi.org/10.1177/23294906221074311

Coffelt, T., Grauman, D. & Smith, F. (2019). Employer's perspectives on communication skills: The meaning of communication skills. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 82(4), 418-439. https://doi.org/10.1177/2329490619851119

Cyphert, D., Holke-Farnam, C., Dodge, E. N., Lee., W. E., & Rosol, S. (2019). Communication activities in the 21st century business environment. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 82(2), 169–201. https://doi.10.1177/2329490619831279

Explorance. (2023). 7 reasons why students need technology in the classroom. Explorance, Inc. https://explorance.com/blog/7-reasons-students-need-technology-classroom/#:~:text=Access%20to%20information%20and%20resources,be%20available%20in%20traditional%20textbooks.

Flaherty, C. (2022, July 4). Calling it quits. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/07/05/professors-are-leaving-academe-during-great-resignation

Gay, L. R., Mills, G. E., & Airasian, P. (2011). Educational research: Competencies for analysis and applications. (10th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.

Getchell, K. M., Carradini, S., Cardon, P. W., Fleischmann, C., Ma, H., Aritz, J., Stapp, J. (2022). Artificial intelligence in business communication: The changing landscape of research and teaching. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 85 (1), 7-33. https://www.doi.10.1177/23294906221074311

Grassini, S. (2023). Shaping the future of education: Exploring the potential and consequences of AI and ChatGPT in educational settings. Education Sciences, 13(7), 692. https://doi.org/10.3390/edusci13070692

Guffey, M. E., & Loewy, D. (2023). Essentials of business communication (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Joglekar, Y., Purdy, D., Brock, S., Tandon, A., & Dong, A. (2022). Developing digital communication competency in the business classroom. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 85 (2), 141–168. https://doi.org/10.1177/23294906221074311

Kohn, L. (2015). How professional writing pedagogy and university workplace partnerships can shape the mentoring of workplace writing. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication, 45(2), 166–168. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047281615569484

Kopcha, T. J. (2012). Teachers' perceptions of the barriers to technology integration and practices with technology under situated professional development. Computers & Education, 59(4), 1109–1121. https://doi-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/10.1016/j.compedu.2012.05.014

Lehman, C. M., DuFrene, D. D., & Walker, R. (2024). BCOM11. Cengage Learning.

McMurtrie, B. (2023, September 8). What will determine AI's impact on college teaching? 5 signs to watch. The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/article/what-will-determine-ais-impact-on-college-teaching-5-signs-to-watch

Moshiri, F., & Cardon, P. (2014). The state of business communication classes: A national survey. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 77(3), 312–329.

Moshiri, F., & Cardon, P. (2020). An updated and expanded nationwide study of business communication courses. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 83(4),469–488. https://doi.10.1177/239490620934043

Petruzziello, G., Mariani, M. G., Chiesa, R., & Guglielmi, D. (2021). Self-efficacy and job search success for new graduates. Personnel Review, 50 (1), 225–243. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-01-2019-0009

Rogers, E. M. (1962). Diffusion of innovations. Free Press.

Russ, T. L. (2009). The status of the business communication course at U.S. colleges and universities. Business Communication Quarterly, 72(4), 395–413. doi:10.1177/1080569909349524

Sapkota, K. & Vander Putten, J. (2018). Social media acceptance and usage by business communications faculty. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/2329490618777818

Sharp, M. R., & Brumberger, E. R. (2013). Business communication curricula today: Revisiting the top 50 undergraduate business schools. Business Communication Quarterly, 76(1), 5-27. doi:10.1177/1080569912471187

Wardrope, W. J. (2001, June). A communication-based response to distance learning in business communication. Business Communication Quarterly, 64(2), 92–97.

Wells, R. (2023, August 17). 3 Must-have skills for GenZ entering the workplace in 2023. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelwells/2023/08/17/3-must-have-skills-for-genz-entering-the-workplace-in-2023/?sh=12387e3a42eb

Downloads

Published

2024-08-12

How to Cite

Wright, C., & Sapkota, K. (2024). Developing Core Communication Skills in an AI-Dominated World: Staying ‘Old School’. The Journal of Research In Business Education, 64(1). https://jrbe.nbea.org/index.php/jrbe/article/view/105

Similar Articles

11-20 of 76

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.