Home > News > October 2005 > 18-Oct-2005

Managers raise alarm over writing standards

Managers are becoming increasingly intolerant of poor written English in documents, according to a survey by business writing consultants Emphasis.

In the survey, managers from across the public and private sector expressed dismay at the number of written mistakes in business communications. Middle and senior management in particular commented that a ‘back-to-basics’ approach to grammar and punctuation was needed.

Spelling mistakes, the use of ‘text-speak’ and the misuse of apostrophes in written work were among the irritants cited by respondents.

The research suggests that the success of recent publications such as Eats, Shoots & Leaves…, which advocates a zero-tolerance approach to poor punctuation, may be part of a new conservatism when it comes to writing skills. That book spent weeks at the top of the best seller lists, hinting that people may no longer be prepared to put up with poor standards.

"Changes in education policy over several decades have meant that many employees in the workplace have forgotten or have simply never been taught the rudiments of written English," said Rob Ashton, a director at Emphasis.

"This can cause serious problems in business writing, as incorrect grammar and punctuation in copy can deter prospective clients. The ideas and true potential of some employees can also remain untapped because they find it difficult to express themselves properly in written work."

Ashton said that the lack of formal grammar education in the seventies and eighties may also be the reason why managers are less tolerant now. "Many people who were powerless to address the problem before are now in management positions," he said. ‘So they’re saying, ‘Enough is enough’, and taking action."

External link

Emphasis has produced several free guides on spelling, punctuation and grammar to help businesses prepare written documents. For more information visit www.writing-skills.com

Training Reference is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.

Training and development books

Discover books on a variety of training and development topics at the Training Reference Bookshop

Source suppliers

Visit the Training Reference Directory to view supplier details for a wide range of courses, products and services.

Sponsored links

Back to top