Choice-Based Writing in Managerial Contexts: The Case of the Dealer Contact Report

Research indicates that "rule-based" writing and writing pedagogy may be inadequate and irrelevant for management practice. As an alternative, this article introduces the notion of "choice-based" writing, an approach which examines the range of writing op tions available in any given managerial context. Two questions are addressed: (1) What is choice-based writing? and (2) What is choice-based writing instruction? Dis cussion of the second question centers on a particular writing choice of a select group of managers in a specific communication context — namely, field managers' use of nar rative for Dealer Contact Reports. Analysis illustrates the benefits of a choice-based ap proach that recognizes contextual complexities and explores writing choices managers find functional.