IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication (IEEE T PROF COMMUN)

Publications in this journal

• Article: Getting Off on the Right Foot: The Effects of Initial Email Messages on Negotiation Process and Outcome

  R.J. Volkema, D. Fleck, A. Hofmeister
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: This paper examines the role that initial exchanges play in determining subsequent process and outcome in email-based negotiations, an increasingly popular means of conducting domestic and international negotiations. The results of the study suggest considerable symmetry between parties in terms of the quantity (words) and quality of initial messages. However, informal greetings, introductions, and proposal surfacing in these early exchanges played little role in determining the likelihood of an agreement or an integrative (win-win) outcome. In contrast, the parties' stated intentions of pursuing a mutually beneficial outcome and their exaggeration of initial offers significantly related to the likelihood of reaching an agreement. The implications of these findings for practitioners and future research are discussed.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 10/2011;
• Article: A Genre in the Making—A Grounded Theory Explanation of the Cultural Factors in Current Resume Writing in China

  Xiaoli Li
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Little research has been done to explore the status of business genres in China. The present study explores the evolution of genre of resume writing in China using a grounded theory approach. This study examines the rhetorical patterns and persuasive strategies employed in resume writing in different periods in China and reveals how these changes are related to historical, social, and economic contexts in China, especially from 1979 to 2010, as well as impacts of global contexts on Chinese resume writing. This study characterizes resume writing in China and relates these features to cultural motives and cultural contexts. It concludes that current resume writing practice in China shows a glocal trend.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 10/2011;
• Article: Factors Affecting the Design of Electronic Direct Mail Messages: Implications for Professional Communicators

  Ming Cheung
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Every company has a brand to build or a product or service to sell, and persuasive marketing communication has thus become indispensable. With the flourishing of the internet, electronic direct mail (EDM) messages have become an increasingly important and convenient mode of communication in the sales and marketing arena. This paper addresses the impact of new media on the design of such messages. Chi square test results reveal significant differences between the message-design strategy of EDMs and that of their print media counterparts. This paper concludes with practical advice for the professional communicators and instructors who work on sales-message design.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 10/2011;
• Article: Professional Communication in a Global Business Context: The Notion of Global Communicative Competence

  L. Louhiala-Salminen, A. Kankaanranta
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: On the basis of an extensive survey study conducted among business professionals engaging in global communication, this paper discusses communicative competence. Rapid changes in work environments, particularly advancing globalization and new technology, have highlighted the need for expanding our knowledge of the elements that constitute communicative competence in global encounters. Competence has been investigated by several researchers; however, the language perspective, particularly the language used for international communication, that is, English as a Lingua Franca (ELF), has largely been ignored. Our findings indicate that global communicative competence (GCC) consists of three layers: multicultural competence, competence in English as a Business Lingua Franca (BELF) and the communicator's business know-how. Based on our findings, we present a model for GCC, which includes language as a key component. Implications for theory, practice, and education include the need for a multidisciplinary approach and the acknowledgement of ELF/BELF as the language of global interaction. ELF IBELF assumes a shared "core" of the English language, but focuses on interactional skills, rapport building, and the ability to ask for and provide clarifications.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 10/2011;
• Article: Challenges to Project-based Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) for Professional Communication in China

  Peiya Gu
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: This paper reports on a 10-year case study at a Chinese university of a faculty team's attempt to develop and disseminate a project-based computer-assisted language learning (CALL) program for professional communication. The discussion focuses on three main challenges (professional/academic values, pedagogical philosophy, and institutional culture) to expand a project-based CALL program at this university. Based on the findings, this paper discusses how the implementation of project-based CALL for professional communication needs to be founded upon a good understanding of China's sociocultural contexts and how it might be tailored in order to be more responsive to the local university context. This paper concludes by suggesting a path that practitioners might take in light of these circumstances and challenges.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 10/2011;
• Article: Role of Familiarity in Affecting Knowledge Gaps in Geographically Dispersed Work

  R.H. Assudani
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Increasingly, various tasks are being conducted by dispersed teams. However, such teams lack a common context, and knowledge gaps exist among dispersed team members making collaboration difficult. This paper seeks to examine whether and how properties of team context (e.g., familiarity with team members and task) have the potential to moderate the effects of structure of team context (e.g., dispersion) on dispersed team collaboration. Further, this paper teases out these effects in teams with a varying extent of dispersion. Findings offer evidence that a unique constraint of distance that dispersed teams face may not be the key factor that determines their performance.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 10/2011;
• Article: An Analysis of a Communication Training Program for Chinese Managers

  E.A. Tuleja, E. Roberts
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: This research is based on an analysis of a management communication training program used by one large US international hotel company to train newly promoted supervisors and managers in Hong Kong and mainland China. The key communication competencies emphasized in the training materials were listening effectively, giving and receiving feedback, using verbal language correctly, using effective nonverbal communication, and displaying empathy. Implications of this study indicate that planning and executing any communication training program must be done mindfully, which includes comprehensive follow-up through reassessment and coaching by the upper managers in order to support employees' transfer of training.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 07/2011;
• Article: The Social Media Release as a Corporate Communication Tool for Bloggers

  L.F. Pitt, M. Parent, P.G. Steyn, P. Berthon, A. Money
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: This study examines the impact of a new communication tool, the social media release (SMR), on bloggers. Specifically, we seek to determine what factors will influence bloggers' intent to use SMRs or their components. Our global survey of 332 bloggers finds that bloggers' perceptions of the effectiveness of the SMR and the use of SMRs by companies positively affect their decisions to use SMRs now and in the future. We also find that bloggers' current use of SMRs influences their decisions to continue using SMRs. Implications on the use of SMRs as corporate communication tools are discussed.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 07/2011;
• Article: Field Convergence between Technical Writers and Technical Translators: Consequences for Training Institutions

  M. Gnecchi, B. Maylath, B. Mousten, F. Scarpa, S. Vandepitte
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: As translation of technical documents continues to grow rapidly and translation becomes more automated, the roles of professional communicators and translators appear to be converging. This paper updates preliminary findings first presented at the 2008 International Professional Communication Conference, Montreal, QC, Canada. It analyzes trends revealed from recent surveys and recommends follow-up research to determine if the trends may continue and become entrenched. The authors conclude with recommendations for academic programs interested in adjusting to the trends.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 07/2011;
• Article: Deriving IT-Mediated Task Coordination Portfolios for Global Virtual Teams

  J. Sutanto, A. Kankanhalli, B.C.Y. Tan
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Global virtual teams (GVTs) can provide benefits in terms of lower costs and enhanced performance. However, the realization of these benefits depends on effective GVT task coordination, which faces significant challenges due to time-zone differences and geographical dispersion. Further, there is a lack of understanding of optimal information-technology (IT)-mediated coordination mechanisms for these teams. Based on an in-depth study of project tasks carried out by three GVTs, we uncovered IT-mediated task coordination portfolios (sets of mechanisms) used for effective coordination. The portfolios should fit the GVT's task dependence, members' common time frame, and perceived time constraints in order to be effective.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 07/2011;
• Article: Assessing Typographic Knowledge Using Timed Tests

  S. Ishizaki
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: While researchers and instructors of technical and professional communication have embraced the importance of visual communication skills in recent years, little systematic effort has been made to develop assessment instruments that measure visual design skills. This paper presents a project that examines timed tests as a means of measuring a student's ability to solve design problems. The process and rationale for the test designs and the results of a series of empirical studies are discussed. The results of the studies suggest that timed tests can be a viable complement to the project-oriented assessment approach suggested by prior studies.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 07/2011;
• Article: The Influence of Sociotechnological Mechanisms on Individual Motivation toward Knowledge Contribution in Problem-Solving Virtual Communities

  Jie Yu, Zhenhui Jiang, Hock Chuan Chan
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Knowledge contribution in virtual communities is an important issue in the field of knowledge management. Based on Ames's theoretical framework on motivation, we propose a model for knowledge contribution in problem-solving virtual communities (PSVCs). The model includes two second-order individual motivations, with four major mechanisms in PSVCs that are associated with these motivations. Results confirm that only egoistic motives affect members' knowledge contribution in PSVCs. Further, knowledge repository and social identity are found to be important mechanisms for promoting knowledge contribution through egoistic motives. This paper concludes with theoretical and practical implications and provides insights for future research.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 07/2011;
• Article: Culture, Communication, and ICT for Development: A Caribbean Study

  D. Dysart-Gale, K. Pitula, T. Radhakrishnan
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Development projects in information and communication technologies may fail if local users perceive them as incompatible with existing work practices or cultural values. The present study examines cultural communication in the design of a prototype information-management system for the social service department of a developing Caribbean nation. The requirements-engineering process required communication within a culturally heterogeneous group of local and outside stakeholders. A capacity-building writing workshop sought to integrate the database into workplace practices. The experience highlights professional communication's role in mediating cultural difference and facilitating stakeholders' self-determination in the improvement of their work practices.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 04/2011;
• Article: Fortune 500 Homepages: Design Trends

  S.L. Jones, D. DeGrow
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: This study is a comprehensive census of the homepage design practices of Fortune 500 companies, analyzing 46 elements of homepage design. The analysis establishes recent design trends of Fortune 500 homepages. In addition, it provides a snapshot of recent homepage design practices of the Fortune 500 that can be used for comparison with other populations and for future research and longitudinal studies of web design.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 04/2011;
• Article: Using NVivo to Answer the Challenges of Qualitative Research in Professional Communication: Benefits and Best Practices Tutorial

  R.S. Hoover, A.L. Koerber
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Recent updates in qualitative data-analysis software have provided the qualitative researcher in professional communication with powerful tools to assist in the research process. In this tutorial, we provide a brief overview of what software choices are available and discuss features of NVivo, one prominent choice. We then use our experiences with the software to discuss how it enhances three specific dimensions of our research: efficiency, multiplicity, and transparency. We end with a compilation of best practices for using the software.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 04/2011;
• Article: Information Seeking in an Information Systems Project Team

  Yunjie Xu, Cheng Zhang, Chenghong Zhang
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Why does a team member prefer some colleagues to others in information seeking? Past literature suggests that the physical accessibility of a knowledge source, the information quality of the source, and relational concerns influence such a choice. This study extends past literature by suggesting that formal structural factors are also important. Particularly, job interdependence, competition, and supervisory relationships are hypothesized to affect information-sourcing frequency. Our social-network analysis of an information systems project team indicates that formal structural factors are important to the development of informal networks and the perception of the information quality of a source. They have direct and indirect impacts on sourcing behavior. Implications for information systems project management are discussed.
  IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 01/2011;