What is Managerial Communications?

Managerial communications includes the functions, techniques and skills involved in communicating in the workplace.

Getting Started

Before beginning research, spend some time thinking about the topic at hand and how to develop a search strategy for finding information about it. Some things to consider include:

• What is the format of your communication -- are you writing a speech, composing a business letter or creating a presentation?
• Who is your audience and what are their needs and expectations?
• What kind of information do you need to convey?
  

Finding General or Background Information on Managerial Communications

For some topics within the field of managerial communications, you will be able to use general or subject encyclopedias for background information. Search ROSIE with search terms like "communication handbooks” or "business communication” to find books in the reference collection. Several examples are:

• A Dictionary of Business and Management [electronic resource]
• Collins Dictionary of Business [electronic resource]
• Dun & Bradstreet's Guide to Doing Business Around the World - R HF1416 .M78 1997
• Encyclopedia of Business and Finance [electronic resource]
• Encyclopedia of Communication and Information [electronic resource]
• Merriam-Webster's Guide to International Business Communications - R HF5718 .A765 1994
• The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy [electronic resource]

Finding Managerial Communications in Books

Searching ROSIE Using Keywords

It’s often best to begin searching ROSIE with a word search. As with any search strategy, brainstorm for synonyms and ideas related to your topic and begin by searching with those. For example, "business communications," "business presentations" and "intercultural communication" are all terms you might use. Remember that you’ll also probably gather some results that aren’t appropriate for your topic. When you find appropriate books, you can link to their subject headings for a more focused search.

Searching ROSIE by Subject

Searching by Library of Congress Subject Headings allows you to do a more precise, focused search for your topic. Some subject headings that may be useful in doing research in managerial communications include:

• Business communication
• Business writing
• Business presentations
• Communication in management
• Communication in organizations
• Group decision making
• Intercultural communication
• Intercultural communication -- United States
• Oral communication
  

Browsing Call Numbers

Because books are arranged on the Library’s shelves by subject, browsing the library stacks in the call number areas suggested below can also be useful. You may also browse the shelves virtually by using the Call Number search in ROSIE.

HF5718 - Business Communications
HD30.3 - Communication in Management
P94.6 - Intercultural Communication

Finding Articles About Managerial Communications Using Research Databases

Bowman Library subscribes to many Web-based databases where you will find newspaper, magazine and scholarly journal articles. Ones that are particularly useful for researching managerial communications are listed below. See Searching Electronic Resources Effectively for guidelines on making the most of your search.

ProQuest - Use "Advanced Search" to look for articles in newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals about a business communication topic or issue.

Wilson Select Plus - Search by keyword for articles covering managerial communications topics.

Conference Board Research Online - Search research reports and articles from The Conference Board Review magazine. Begin by searching by keyword or by one of the supplied topics, such as corporate communications.

GVRL Business Collection - Search for communication information in this collection of electronic books on business.

Selected Free Web Sites

The following Web sites have been selected by Bowman Librarians as examples of sites appropriate for college research. Keep in mind, however, that free Web resources are rarely filtered, often making it difficult to determine the content's accuracy. Use our guide Evaluating Web Resources to help you review the authority, currency, and objectivity or bias of every site you use.

ECG - Presentation Skills Articles from PS
http://ecglink.com/library/ps/index.html
Articles provided by Effective Communications Group.

Inc.com - Improve Your Communication Skills
http://www.inc.com/guides/growth/23032.html
Business communication resources presented by Inc. magazine.

International Association of Business Communicators
http://www.iabc.com/
This organization is a leading resource in all facets of business communication. Its membership journal, Communication World, is available to Menlo College students through ProQuest.

JobWeb: Resumes and Interviews
http://www.jobweb.com/Resumes_Interviews/default.htm
Career development and job search advice for new college graduates.

Management for the Rest of Us
http://www.mftrou.com/index.html
Select "Management Articles" for articles addressing such topics as "Communication Skills," "Team Building" and "Personal Development."

Citing Your Sources

Be sure to check with your professor on which citation style is required. Bowman Library provides the following resources to assist with citation format:

For online resources, see How to Cite Your Research for links to MLA, APA and Chicago citation styles.

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers - LB2369 .G53 2003 (Located in Library Permanent Reserves).

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association - BF76.7 .P83 2001 (Located in Library Permanent Reserves).

The Chicago Manual of Style - Z253 .U69 2003 (Located in Library Permanent Reserves).

Have Questions?

• Explore WOODIE for help with Research.
• The following guides include related information that may assist your research:
  • Diversity in the Workplace
• Ask a Librarian. We are here to help!