BUSINESS COMMUNICATION: PROCESS AND PRODUCT, 7 is designed to prepare students for success in today's digital workplace as well as tips on job searching skills. The textbook and accompanying Web site explains the basics of communicating in the workplace, working in teams, how to being a good listener and understanding business etiquette. Students study and practice the skills and activities involved in the writing process including the appropriate use of social media, preparing formal reports and proposals as well as informal business reports. The appendixes guide students through grammar and writing mechanics as well as information on formatting and writing documents. Authors Mary Ellen Guffey and Dana Loewy offer a wealth of ideas for writing resumes and cover letters, participating in interviews, and completing follow-up activities.
A surprisingly good review of grammar, as well as how to write practically anything in the business world. I actually found the book useful, even though I didn't think I would.
My review is for the sixth edition, which doesn't seem to be on Goodreads.
This book is full of good advice but some things about it are absolutely bonkers:
1) It cites workplace gossip as a reliable information source. In my opinion/experience, believing workplace gossip is a good way to get yourself in bad situations you don't fully understand.
2) At one point they claim that child labour is less of an ethical problem when you are doing business in another country. That seems bad on the surface but it gets worse and worse the more you think about it.
3) There is a lot of writing advice involving being concise, being direct, and avoiding repetition. This book ignores practically all of its own advice in this regard. In fact, it is probably the most padded, wordy, and filler-heavy book I have ever read.
Certainly doesn't have to be read word-for-word; a skim is sufficient for a reminder of fundamentals. The screenshots of templates on types of proposals serve as useful reminders. Some of the advice is a bit banal though, such as the tip to "Use the features of your computer wisely"--should go without saying, really. However, the accompanying style guide is particularly useful and even experienced communications pros can benefit from reading its "Grammar and mechanics" section. I know this because I still see otherwise experienced people making such mistakes in the working world. It answered some grammatical questions I had and provided a bit more clarity on other thorny issues, such as the proper use of subjective/objective/possessive pronouns in various constructions.
This up-to-date book for all communications in organizations is easy to read and is packed full of information I will reference back to in years to come.