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Higher education business writing practices in office management and technology programmes and in related workplaces
Author(s)
Hollis-Turner, Shairn Lorena
Date Issued
2008
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
The impact of globalisation on the workplace demands that individuals must be prepared to respond to
rapid technological and knowledge changes. While the courses offered by the various Universities of
Technology take into account the role of the workplace, very little research exists on the impact of
career-focussed programmes and how these meet or do not meet workplace requirements. This thesis
discusses a research project conducted with Office Management and Technology students and
compares the writing practices of higher education with those of related workplaces.
The research problem that is investigated is this thesis is how students transfer knowledge, skills and
attitudes learned in higher education to workplaces. In order to address this problem, the research was
guided by the questions: 1) what are the business writing practices of 1st and 2nd year Communication
students? 2) What are the business writing practices of office managers? 3) What are the ‘gaps’ in the
business writing practices between higher education Office Management and Technology programmes
and related workplaces? and 4) How can these gaps be addressed to ensure the adequate preparation of
Office Management and Technology students for the workplaces of the future?
This comparative study used both quantitative and qualitative methods and collected and produced
documentary data, questionnaires, observations and interviews at both higher education and workplace
sites. The findings show patterns of alignment and non-alignment across the writing practices of
higher education and workplaces. Recommendations are made about the alignment of writing
practices, for the mutual benefit of students and workplaces.
The contribution of this research comprises a theoretical contribution to communication knowledge as
well as a number of practical contributions to improve the way in which business writing is taught. A
theoretical framework for the analysis and comparison of higher education and workplace
communication data has been developed and a comparative study has shown the differences between
higher education and workplace communication. Higher education and workplaces are different and
their communication practices need to embody these significant differences. This study has shown
where there can be constructive alignment between higher education and workplace communication
practices to the benefit of both student learning and workplaces. The implementation of the
recommendations should result in Office Management and Technology students being better prepared
to face the demands and challenges of the different and complex world of the workplace into which
they will enter on completion of their studies.
rapid technological and knowledge changes. While the courses offered by the various Universities of
Technology take into account the role of the workplace, very little research exists on the impact of
career-focussed programmes and how these meet or do not meet workplace requirements. This thesis
discusses a research project conducted with Office Management and Technology students and
compares the writing practices of higher education with those of related workplaces.
The research problem that is investigated is this thesis is how students transfer knowledge, skills and
attitudes learned in higher education to workplaces. In order to address this problem, the research was
guided by the questions: 1) what are the business writing practices of 1st and 2nd year Communication
students? 2) What are the business writing practices of office managers? 3) What are the ‘gaps’ in the
business writing practices between higher education Office Management and Technology programmes
and related workplaces? and 4) How can these gaps be addressed to ensure the adequate preparation of
Office Management and Technology students for the workplaces of the future?
This comparative study used both quantitative and qualitative methods and collected and produced
documentary data, questionnaires, observations and interviews at both higher education and workplace
sites. The findings show patterns of alignment and non-alignment across the writing practices of
higher education and workplaces. Recommendations are made about the alignment of writing
practices, for the mutual benefit of students and workplaces.
The contribution of this research comprises a theoretical contribution to communication knowledge as
well as a number of practical contributions to improve the way in which business writing is taught. A
theoretical framework for the analysis and comparison of higher education and workplace
communication data has been developed and a comparative study has shown the differences between
higher education and workplace communication. Higher education and workplaces are different and
their communication practices need to embody these significant differences. This study has shown
where there can be constructive alignment between higher education and workplace communication
practices to the benefit of both student learning and workplaces. The implementation of the
recommendations should result in Office Management and Technology students being better prepared
to face the demands and challenges of the different and complex world of the workplace into which
they will enter on completion of their studies.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Faculty of Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008.
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