The social media version of this release is available at: http://socialmediareleases.x.iabc.com.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – 23 February 2010 – Providing access to content, connections and recognition is the critical role that professional associations fill for business communicators, according to a recent survey conducted by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Acquiring new knowledge to stay on the leading edge of communication, developing deep and lasting connections with other professionals, and gaining recognition—both within the community and with employers—are fundamental factors in a business communicator’s decision to become and remain a member.
In late 2009 and early 2010, more than 2,500 business communication professionals from around the globe shared their views on these questions in a survey conducted by IABC. The results offer insight into business communicators’ perceptions, actions and interests, providing key lessons about how an association can stay relevant and become even more essential in supporting a professional’s career.
“We must focus on what it takes to be essential,” says Mark Schumann, ABC, 2009–2010 IABC chair. “From the start this was a study of a professional association’s role in a professional’s career, and what steps IABC must take to fill this need.”
Key lessons from the survey include:
- Business communication professionals take the profession of business communication seriously. They take being up to date in the profession of business communication seriously, and want to be recognized for their accomplishments.
- Business communication professionals believe in the value of membership in a professional association. Content is the deciding factor in why business communication professionals access a professional association’s products and programs.
- Respondents said they join IABC to advance their careers. Content is the key to deciding to join, and stay with, IABC.
- Most business communication professionals believe IABC is an effective professional association.They believe the association should invest in content, career development and networking.
- Most respondents said the IABC Research Foundation should invest in content.
Read the Executive Summary of the survey for detailed findings and discussion.
Over the next few months, the IABC executive board will engage volunteers from the association’s chapters and regions—as well as former leaders and key stakeholders in the profession—to continue to examine the findings from the research and to identify short- and long-term steps for the association to pursue.
“In the coming months and years we will continue to demonstrate how IABC listens to you and responds to your interests, providing ever-increasing resources to support your success,” says Julie Freeman, ABC, APR, the association’s president.
About IABC
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a global network of communication professionals committed to improving organizational effectiveness through strategic communication. Established in 1970, IABC serves more than 15,000 members in 70 countries and 100 chapters. For more information, visit www.iabc.com.
