Let's Get This Show on the Road

 

Why Workplace Writing Instead of Business Writing?

As you’ll learn pretty quickly, I prefer the term “Workplace Writing” to “Business Writing.”  This is not exactly an earth-shaking change, but I do have my reasons for that preference:

•  “Business Writing” tends to connote writing done be managers and high-level executives.  In fact, the kind of writing we’ll be talking about occurs at all levels of an organization

•  “Business Writing” also tends to suggest writing that is strictly in-house to an organization.  In fact, those who are good at this kind of writing—particularly in this age of the internet and explosive social media—recognize external readers, and are able to adapt their writing for in-house readers and for out-house readers.  (Sorry—couldn’t resist.) 

•  “Business Writing” also implies formal writing that is strictly relevant to the needs of the organization.  While most of this kind of writing is that, we also need to be aware that any writing that occurs within the context of an organization, including jokey emails, text messages or social media postings, qualifies as “workplace writing.”  A little later in the semester you'll see a recent example of an exchange between a customer and a business that exemplifies, in a cringe-worthy way, the often very public nature of workplace writing (much to the dismay of many).

  Our Mantras of Workplace Writing

If all we needed to worry about when writing as professionals was the message itself, workplace writing would be easy--just say what you have to say and move on.  However, workplace writing occurs within organizations, and organizations are composed of people, who are complex and often behave in complicated and conflicted ways.  And because organizations are composed of people, they also develop their own cultures, with value systems and ideals that need to be reflected in the documents you produce.  Basically, then, when we talk about the rhetorical situation (as we'll do a bit later in the semester), we're trying to figure out what factors within an organization and organizational culture will affect what we want to say and how we want to say it.  Keep in mind three fundamental principles about workplace writing, that distinguish workplace writing from other kinds of writing: Workplace writing exists to get things done          One does not write as a professional to bare one's soul, get in touch with one's feelings, or lift the slovenly masses with one's artistry.  In the workplace, one writes to do something, or to get someone else to do something.  Of course, if one fails to take into account the complexities of the reader(s), then there's a real good chance that what one wants to get done, isn't done.  Success in professional writing isn't measured by eloquence; it's measured by effectiveness. Workplace writing exists to benefit the organization first       The organization is paying your salary, and they are not paying you to express yourself.  They are paying you to get things done that will benefit the organization.  So taking into account the needs and culture of the organization is crucial. When you write as a member of an organization, you write as a representative of the organization       Whatever you say, and however you say it, it needs to align with the values and ideals of the organization.  Thus it's important to understand the context of the organization.  Of course, you're free to attempt to change the values and ideals if you think that appropriate or necessary.