Learning the lesson – Speaking up for communication as an academic discipline too important to be sidelined

Communication skills are essential business tools, as well as a prerequisite for management of global economic organisations and effective government in complex societies. Communication underpins Western values and ensures that, through feedback processes, organisations appreciate the different value sets that can impact upon the success or failure of policies and enterprises. In order to gain the greatest benefit from effective communication, greater emphasis needs to be placed on the academic teaching of the skill involved, as part of and together with greater efforts to promote the reputation of professional communicators.