Communication Courses in MBA Programmes: An Analysis of Curricula of Business Schools in the United States and Europe

Abstract

Communication studies have expanded significantly around the globe in the last decades. Due to new channels of communication and more and more mediatised societies, the role of communication has gained significance. In contrast, communication does not seem to be a topic of high priority for many corporate leaders. They often still value communication as a mere support function.

This chapter explores communication courses of business schools in the United States and Europe. It is hypothesised that only if communication courses are recognised in such programmes the profession of business communicators will realise entry into the highest levels of corporate decision-making.

The main question is how far top-ranked Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes integrate communication courses. This is investigated via website analysis and interviews. This chapter also provides explanations for the current status quo. The results will be of interest to all those responsible for shaping MBA curricula and give insights into how the communication discipline is viewed by leaders of business schools.

Citation

Spiller, R., Weinacht, S. and Köhler, A. (2016), "Communication Courses in MBA Programmes: An Analysis of Curricula of Business Schools in the United States and Europe", The Management Game of Communication (Advances in Public Relations and Communication Management, Vol. 1), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 85-96. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2398-391420160000001005