Emphasized Throughout (Guest EDITORIAL‪)‬

THIS SPECIAL ISSUE focuses on management communication instruction in internationally oriented MBA programs, particularly those based outside the United States. In developing our approach, we began with Melinda Knight's 1999 BCQ article on management communication in U.S. MBA programs. In the lead article in this issue, Knight, coeditor, takes a parallel look at top-ranked, non-U.S. programs. Her survey is followed by another survey of programs in an "education hub" in the Asia Pacific region, Singapore, by Rogers and Wong, and by articles that analyze specific programs and approaches. Although recognizing the role of U.S. institutions in shaping educational practices, we sought in compiling these articles to take the spotlight off the United States. The title of this editorial reflects what many authors note: the often elusive nature of communication instruction in MBA programs. Some programs do indeed teach courses in the topic and list such courses in their catalogues and on their Web sites. But instruction often falls outside the explicit course grid. Communication skills are, in the words of many program descriptions, emphasized throughout. That may mean instruction is woven into other courses or projects or supported through tutoring and workshops delivered by writing centers or language programs. Or it may mean that there is no instruction. A mission statement proclaiming the excellent communication skills developed in an MBA program is no guarantee that instruction in those skills is part of the program.