Business Communication Trends

Business Communication Trends

Locker-Kienzler (2008) points out that effective communication in both speaking and writing is vital in today's business environment. To successfully function in a high-level job such as Accounts Payable Management, an employee therefore needs to have excellent speaking and writing skills. The role that business communication plays in my daily activities is significant. One of my duties, for example, is to maintain the company's policies and procedures for accounts payable. From my leadership position, I need to communicate these to my subordinates. I usually first do this by means of email, particularly when a new worker joins our team. In the same email, I then make sure that the person is aware that he or she may ask questions where anything is unclear. These questions are then communicated back to me or by means of a meeting. I must make sure that I communicate clearly and accurately. Accounts payable functions must all adhere to my company's guidelines, and I must therefore make sure that all my subordinates understand them very well. I also communicate any changes in these policies and procedures in the same way.

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I manage many of my day-to-day activities by email. When my subordinates have questions about statements or procedures, for example, they generally email me. Sometimes the questions occur to them outside of hours and they email me from home. I then come into my office and organize these by category to handle them one by one.

I also communicate by email and telephone with our clients and associates to arrange for quotes or payments. This requires both good writing and speaking skills. I also often communicate with the tax office and government officials to arrange the policies and procedures required for our business. Basically, business communication is used in all aspects of managing my duties as accounts payable manager.

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I feel an increasing trend in business communication today is the use of electronic communication as opposed to paper or telephone communication. One reason for this is the increasing use and dropping prices of email communication (Scudder, 2010). It has even been suggested by some that offices may sooner than later start to communicate in an entirely paperless manner. This would probably be a good thing in terms of environmental sustainability and preserving the world's forests. Also, what I like about email communication is its immediate arrival after sending.

Another new trend in business communication is the increased use of social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to communicate the purpose and policies of a business. Most businesses today have at least a Website. These are useful for obtaining new customers and communicating with existing customers when promotions and donating opportunities arrive.

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