Chapter 5 Overview of Conclusions & Implications of Research Findings Communication Skills is a broad term that encompasses a gamut of skill sets. The conclusions below provide an overview of corporate, teachers and students expectations from the subject in the context of management education: 5.1 The importance of English language skills increases at the various stages of a managerial career. As a manager gains experience, the use of language is expected to be fine tuned, specific and precise. Implications: It is observed that at junior levels, managers use broad based terms and instructions. As they gain experience, there is a realization that interpretations and perceptions differ, and they modify their language for the appropriate choice of words, in oral and written communication. 5.2 Different modes of communication require different approaches to language. Implications: Some dimensions of language that understanding the cultural nuances of language is a crucial part of language skills. English Language Skills include vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, tone and appropriate use of technical terms. 5.3 The importance of oral communication skills increases at the various stages of a managerial career. Implication: According to Mintzberg, a manager s time is divided between meetings, telephonic conversations and e-mails. Of this about 75% of the time is devoted to meetings. Thus the importance of oral communication increases in a managerial career. Effective oral communication skills include the ability to assimilate information, analyze, take a stand and articulate clearly and concisely. Nanduri Aparna Rao 119
5.4 The importance of effective presentation skills increases with increase in role and responsibilities of a manager. Implication: As the manager moves up the corporate ladder, the number and complexity of presentations increases. They have to make various kinds of presentations for various kinds of audiences. Thus, presentation skills form an important type of oral communication. Thus, presentation skills increase in importance at various levels of management careers. 5.5 Presentation skills are equally necessary for managers in various management functions (HR, Marketing, Finance, Operations and Systems). Implication: Managers across all functions (HR, Marketing, Finance, Operations and Systems) require effective presentation skills. The fundamental principles of presentation are uniform and do not depend on the function. The aim of presentations is to share relevant information with stakeholders and facilitate effective decision making. 5.6 Business writing skills are equally important at all levels of management careers. Implication: Business writing skills are necessary for management professionals at all levels. A manager is expected to read and create various types of documents ranging from short messages (sms), memos, letters, reports, proposals, plans etc. for multiple purposes. Writing skills are required for note taking and note making for meetings, presentations and other activities. This requires language ability and content. This implies that the curriculum must incorporate business writing skills as a compulsory component. 5.7 Business writing skills required are the same for various management functions (HR, Marketing, Finance, Operations and Systems). Implication: Business writing skills are equally important for managers across all functions. Managers across functions have to learn the rules and principles of effective writing. Some formats and documents are functionspecific. Nanduri Aparna Rao 120
5.8 Documents created by junior managers are perused by seniors before formal submission. Implications: Junior managers are expected to have effective writing skills. This implies that growth prospects of a junior manager depend on his writing skills. The curriculum must incorporate various kinds of documents that are required to be read and written by managers. 5.9 Interpersonal skills are important at all levels of management. Implications: Interpersonal skills mean the ability to build and maintain healthy working relationships with peers, juniors and seniors. This ranks first in the process of recruitment and consideration for promotion. Interpersonal skills are also considered to be most important for managerial growth. 5.10 Communication skills are equally required for all levels of management. Implication: Effective communication skills are essential for managers throughout their careers. A detailed course in communication is an essential requirement of management education. 5.12 Students want more practical inputs related to oral communication skills with the aim of placement preparation. However, senior corporate expect the curriculum to include theory as well as practical inputs. Implication: Business schools should train students to know the techniques of oral and written communication through technology. A curriculum for the subject will have to balance theory and practical requirements of the stakeholders. 5.13 Understanding of technology for effective communication is a necessary skill for managers. Implications: The subject of communication must include the nuances and etiquette of communication through telephone, short messaging service, e- mail, social networking, chats, video conferencing, conference calls etc. The topic in Mumbai University syllabus Communication Technology and Its Impact on Office Procedures is the base to discuss the impact on technology Nanduri Aparna Rao 121
on communication and office procedures. The practical aspects also have to be addressed in this area. 5.14 With respect to curriculum, students as well as corporate professionals express a need for the subject in all semesters. Implication: This means that the existing syllabus should be expanded beyond the present allotment of 30 hours. A balanced curriculum building from skills at a micro level to a global understanding of communication is required. 5.15 Cultural Communication was identified by senior corporate professionals as an essential component to be included in the syllabus. Implication: Globalization is encouraging interaction across cultures. Thus it is necessary for young managers to understand the nuances of verbal and non verbal communication across cultures. 5.16 Teaching methods for the subject should be broad based and practical. Implications: Feedback from senior corporate managers suggests that the pedagogical approaches to the subject should be broad based and practical. For example report writing can be learnt through concurrent projects with corporate organizations and NGOs; oral communication skills and interpersonal skills can be improved through assignments that require field work, team work and presentations. 5.17 The institutes in Mumbai enjoy autonomy of examinations and assessment. Implications: Thus appointment of teachers for the subject, the actual course content covered in the class and methods of delivery became the prerogative of individual teachers in various institutions. In the absence of strict norms of qualifications and experience required, the subject is treated as a language based subject. Nanduri Aparna Rao 122
5.18 The subject of Communication is offered only in the first semester of most PG & MMS programmes in Mumbai. Implications: Most teachers focus on oral communication skills. Only some of them follow the University prescribed syllabus. Many focus on practical inputs related to topics like presentation skills, group discussions and personal interviews. Since the subject is only offered in one semester, time allocation for various dimensions of communication is a challenge. Written communication includes crucial topics ranging from basic correspondence to business proposals. These areas may or may not get the importance they deserve. 5.19 Limited allocation of time results in the neglect of areas like corporate communication, management communication and emerging trends in communication education. Implications: Instructors are mostly on their own for handling the delivery and evaluation for the subject, just as they are for other subjects. This kind of autonomy is a double edged sword. A faculty member may overemphasize the importance of oral skills, with the internal evaluation focussing on presentation and elocution. The time allotted to the subject in normally one slot of 3 hours per week. There is no specified norm about practical and theory break up. Thus, the subject is relegated to being skill based. 5.20 The subject Communication Skills is a blend of various skill sets like oral, written and interpersonal skills as well as an understanding of related concepts. Implications: Globally, the subject has broadened to include topics like Leadership Communication, Managerial Communication, Business Communication, Corporate Communication, Organizational Communication, Communication Strategy, Communication Audits, Best Practices in Communication, Ethical Communication etc. Teachers apply various approaches to make the subject relevant and practical. Nanduri Aparna Rao 123
The researcher found that these dimensions are yet to be introduced in management institutions in Mumbai. Chapter 6 recommends a model for a curriculum that could be introduced for management education in Mumbai. Nanduri Aparna Rao 124