TITLE : BASIC BUSINESS COMMUNICATION. 4TH ED.

Thorough. I made every effort to cover the subject thoroughly. The content of the first edition was based on survey results from over 100 business communication teachers. The second and third editions were based on inputs from panels of highly competent business communication teachers. And this fourth edition was updated based on views expressed in the 163 returns received from a second major survey, conducted especially for this revision. The end result is truly a book developed by the people in the field. It covers every topic and follows every suggestion that a significant number of respondents considered important .

Authoritative. My efforts to present the subject matter authoritatively involved a thorough review of the research and thinking in the field. The procedures recommended throughout are not just my preferences, although I support them. They represent the mainstream of business communication thought and were developed by researchers, teachers, and practitioners over the years.

In achieving the foregoing goals, I followed the organization plan that was dictated by the first survey of business communication teachers referred to earlier and supported convincingly by the second survey. It is a rather basic plan. It begins (Part 1) with an introductory review of the role of communication in the organization. Then it shifts to a review of foundation writing techniques, with strong emphasis on how to write clearly. Techniques used in writing for effect conclude the preliminary writing instruction. Next, (Part 2) the plan covers the basic patterns of business letters; and then it covers some special letter situations (Part 3). Report writing comes next (Part 4). Although the emphasis is on the shorter report forms, coverage of the long formal report is there for those who want it. A review of the more mechanical aspects of letters and reports comes next (Part 5). This coverage includes graphic aids, letter and report forms, and writing correctness. The final section of the book (Part 6) covers the techniques of oral communication.

Although I did not change the overall organization plan, I changed some of the parts substantially. In Part 11 added an introductory chapter, primarily to give the student a basic understanding of communication in the business organization. In this part appears a review of the role of communication in the organization and a simple description of how human beings communicate. And because of the growing importance of the computer in business communication, there is a meaningful review of computer technology and its role in business.

A review of nonsexist language is another major addition to the book. Although in all previous editions I worked to eliminate sexism in the text, including the use of Dr. Leah Grubbs to read the book for this one factor, this fourth edition includes a special part on the subject (in Chapter 2). Filled with specific instructions and examples, this additional part gives the subject the strong emphasis it deserves.

The growing importance of international business justified the addition of information on international business communication. Presented as a part of the review of creating effects through words (Chapter 4), this review of international communication goes well beyond general description. Instead, using a how-to-do-it approach, it covers the subject specifically and with abundant examples.

In response to the survey participants' strong preferences, I added a review of memorandums-complete with case problems. Because the subject matter overlaps material in the letters chapters, I made it a supplementary chapter. It is placed following the chapters it overlaps.

Another substantial addition involved adding a chapter to the coverage of oral communication (Part 6)-a change strongly supported by survey results. This additional chapter gives the book the balanced communication emphasis many in the field believe is ideal.

In addition, I prepared new problems throughout. These problems are the challenging, in-depth, realistic types that I feel are best for learning purposes. Also, I worked hard to update the job application section, especially by revising the examples. And as in previous editions, I worked to improve the coverage of the basics of clear writing throughout the book. My goal was to produce the most current and complete book possible-the book the survey respondents said they wanted. I feel that I have succeeded.

In any comprehensive work such as this, credit must go to a multitude of people. Certainly I should acknowledge the contributions of the pioneers in the field, especially those whose teachings have become a part of my thinking. Although I cannot acknowledge all these contributors individually, I am grateful to them all. I must, however, single out one of them-my dear friend and mentor William P. Boyd, now professor emeritus, The University of Texas at Austin. His teachings are liberally sprinkled throughout this book.

To those who served on the review panel for this revision, I give a very special acknowledgment. Although all identification and names were removed from the reviews given me, I was told that these people served as reviewers: Dwight Bullard, Middle Tennessee State Universitv; Andrea Corbett, University of Lowell; Marie Flatley, San Diego State University; Phyllis Howren, University of North Carolina; Dan Armstrong, Oregon State University; Tim Sabin, Portland Community College; Evelyn Morris, Mesa Community College; and Suzanne Lambert, Broward Community College. Without exception, these reviews were extremely helpful.

Because this fourth edition evolved from all previous editions, I acknowledge also those who in some way contributed in the past. Included in this group are C. Douglas Spitler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Barbara Shaw, University of Mississippi; James Bell, Central Michigan University; Jon N. Loff, Allegany Community College; Lila B. Stair, Florida State University; Frank E. Nelson, Eastern Washington State College; Judy F. McCain, Indiana University; James J. Weston, California State University; Michael R. Wunch, Northern Arizona University; Kathy Wessell, Thornton Communitv College; Julia Newcomer, North Texas State University; Ethel A. Martin, Glendale Community College; David Ramsey, Southeastern Louisiana University; Peter Bracher, Wright State University; John J. Brugaletta, California State University-Fullerton; Carol L. Huber, Skagit Valley College; Gay Sibley, University of Hawaii at Manoa; Cynthia Lyle, Texas Tech University; and C. W. Brewer, Texas Tech University. Douglas H. Shepard, State University of New York, deserves special recognition. His skillful editorial work over past years significantly improved the accuracy of the book.

The originality and business realism in the letter problems in this edition are the product of the skillful work of John D. Pettit, North Texas State University. My friend, colleague, and coauthor on another book, John deserves and gets a very special recognition for his contributions. His long hours in the library searching for problem ideas in The Wnll Street iourllal, Busisless Week, and other business publications are evident in his good work.

In addition, there are those who over the life of the book have made a variety of inputs. Most of these were made orally-at professional meetings, for the most part. My memory will not permit me to acknowledge these people individually. But I am grateful to all of them.

Finally, on the home front, I acknowledge those members of my family who contributed so much to my efforts. To my dear wife, I once again express my appreciation for her love and understanding. To my father, who in his last days watched with parental pride as this book took form, I dedicate this book. I ask him to share this dedication with my dear, departed mother, who would have been equally proud.

Raymond V. Lesikar