The membership of the ABC, like the field of business communication, is richly interdisciplinary, drawing members from such fields as management, marketing, English, speech communication, linguistics, information systems, to name only a few. Our membership also encompasses communication consultants and other business practitioners. We have a strong membership base in North America, Europe, and Asia and the Pacific.
Our Mission
The Association for Business Communication (ABC) is an international, interdisciplinary organization committed to advancing business communication research, education, and practice.
Our Vision
The Association for Business Communication (ABC) seeks to become the foremost authority in the field of business communication by promoting excellence in teaching, increasing knowledge within the discipline, enriching business communication classes to better prepare students, and improving the quality of communication in the workplace. Because we recognize the importance of globalization, the Association seeks to continue to expand its international membership as well as its international point of view. To reach all members, we plan to incorporate many technologies for enhanced communication and provision of the services they most need.
The values and responsibilities of the Association are outlined in a code of professional ethics adopted in October, 2005.
The priorities of the Association are detailed in the Strategic Plan (PDF), adopted in February, 2008.
Strategic Goals
Listed below are the Association for Business Communication’s strategic goals for the next five years (2008-2013).
- Strengthen the discipline of business communication.
- Establish outreach services that benefit members.
- Ensure a deep level of internationalization throughout the organization.
- Increase membership.
ABC supports its members through a number of important services:
Publications
ABC publishes two quarterly academic journals.
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The Journal of Business Communication (JBC) includes manuscripts that contribute to knowledge and theory of business communication as a distinct, multifaceted field approached through the administrative disciplines, the liberal arts, and the social sciences.
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Business Communication Quarterly (BCQ) focuses on the teaching and practice of business communication.
Journals are included as part of ABC membership. Institutions may subscribe through our publisher, Sage Publications.
Conventions
ABC hosts annual conventions in October or November of each year, where members share research, participate in workshops, network, and contribute to the on-going business of the Association.
Several of ABC’s regions regularly offer conferences in addition to the annual convention. These conferences, typically held within the region between March and May of each year, provide additional opportunities for sharing research and pedagogy in smaller groups.
ABC supports teachers and practitioners of business communication through research on communication best practices, research on classroom teaching and assessment, workshops at conventions, case studies, and teaching and consulting resources published on the web site.
ABC interest groups
ABC members with a shared interest have the option of creating interest groups to achieve professional objectives. ABC currently supports interest groups focusing on intercultural communication, consulting, business practices, and MBA education. New interest groups can be formed at any time.
Awards
ABC recognizes members with awards for service to the Association and profession; research excellence; teaching excellence; and outstanding publications. ABC recognizes students with an annual student writing contest.
Job placement
ABC provides job placement services at our annual convention. In addition, the Association maintains a job board on this web site.
Advocacy
As the premier association for business communication professionals, ABC promotes the value of business communication to society. ABC also works with educational institutions, accrediting agencies, and industry to improve business communication education and to promote faculty development.
Become a member of ABC
Business communication faculty, students, and practitioners are invited to join ABC. Five levels of membership in the Association are available. Sustaining memberships ($100 per year) provide full member benefits and subsidize student presenters at the annual convention. Active memberships include the print and electronic access to Association publications for $80 per year or electronic access only for $60 per year for individuals. Students and retired members of the profession are eligible for reduced fees of $30 per year. Further details are at the membership benefits page.
Dues include
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Subscriptions to ABC’s two publications
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Reduced fees for ABC conventions and conferences
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Access to a members-only area of the ABC web site, containing on-line publications, teaching resources, a searchable member directory, and job opportunities
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And a community of individuals interested in improving and using communication skills for business