Abstract
This article argues for the intentional development of communication training programs within higher education to meet expanding industry demand for communication skilled employees and trainers. The authors document substantial growth in training and development initiatives across business, government, and industrial sectors, citing national surveys and reports identifying communication as a consistently critical competency for managerial effectiveness and employee performance. They outline core communication abilities valued by employers, including oral and written communication, listening, persuasion, interpersonal relations, small group leadership, and problem solving. The discussion identifies persistent barriers in academic settings, such as disciplinary stereotypes, lack of faculty preparation in adult learning principles, and reluctance to view training as a legitimate scholarly focus. The authors contend that communication departments can leverage established strengths in speech education to integrate training content through curriculum revision, specialized courses, internships, and partnerships with professional training associations. They conclude that preparing students to serve as communication trainers both responds to organizational needs and expands professional opportunities for graduates, positioning communication programs to play a central role in the evolving training and development landscape.
Recommended Citation
Curtis, Dan B.; Beebe, Steven A.; and Brooks, Deems M.
(1986)
"A Rationale for Developing Communication Training Programs,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 55, Article 18.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol55/iss1/18
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