Business Communication Article Review Guide

Introduction: Why Article Reviews Matter in Business Communication

In today's fast-paced business environment, the ability to critically evaluate academic articles is a core skill. The BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SKILLS Q1132 mock exam challenges students to read, summarize, and critique a scholarly piece within a limited time. This guide walks you through the process using the article Business Communication: Formats & New Media by Schwartz and Powell (2012), adapted for exam purposes. By the end, you'll be ready to tackle any article review with confidence.

Step 1: Summarizing the Article (Part A)

Identifying Key Details

Start by noting the publication context: the article appears in the Journal of Social & Business Media, authored by H. J. Schwartz and M. Powell in 2012. The purpose is to examine how organizations choose communication channels—face-to-face versus electronic—and the consequences of those choices. The main argument is that while technology offers efficiency, it also risks information overload and diminished interpersonal depth.

Main Points and Supporting Sources

The authors draw on multiple theorists: Axley (2000) on channel selection based on workforce diversity; O'Mara (1999) on cost-benefit analysis of face-to-face vs. electronic communication; and Furnham (2005) on the speed of IT development. They highlight that e-mail remains the most used technology (Katz & Rice, 2002), but caution that habitual use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) can lead to miscommunication (Quan-Haase & Wellman, 2004). The article also notes that technologies create new challenges, such as information overload (Albrecht, 2001) and constant multitasking (Caroli & Van Reenen, 2001).

Counterarguments

The authors acknowledge that CMC is convenient and cost-effective, but they push back by citing Hinds and Kiesler (1999) on the dangers of treating communication as routine. They also reference Ruhleder and Jordan (2001) on the struggle to integrate new technologies into existing work practices.

Step 2: Personal and Critical Evaluation (Part B)

Your Response to the Arguments

Personally, I find the article's cautionary tone convincing. In my own experience as a student in 2026, I've witnessed how reliance on instant messaging and email can lead to misunderstandings—especially when tone is lost. The article's emphasis on the human element (Bland, 2005) resonates with current workplace trends, such as the rise of AI-powered communication tools. For example, many companies now use chatbots for customer service, but these can frustrate users when they fail to grasp context.

Relating to Your Knowledge

The article aligns with what I've studied in organizational behavior: that technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction. The concept of information overload is particularly relevant today, with workers receiving hundreds of notifications daily. I've personally experienced how multitasking reduces productivity, as the article suggests. However, I would argue that the article slightly undervalues the benefits of asynchronous communication, which allows for flexible work arrangements—a key trend post-pandemic.

Step 3: Structuring Your Review

Paragraph 1: Introduction and Summary

Begin with a concise overview: state the article's title, authors, publication year, and main thesis. For example: 'In their 2012 article, Schwartz and Powell argue that while electronic communication offers efficiency, it also poses risks of misinterpretation and overload.'

Paragraph 2: Critical Analysis

Evaluate the evidence: Are the sources up-to-date? The article uses references from the 1990s and early 2000s, which may be outdated for 2026. Discuss whether the arguments still hold true given recent advances in AI and remote work.

Paragraph 3: Personal Connection

Share your own experiences. For instance, 'In my internship at a tech startup, we used Slack for all communication. While it sped up decisions, it also led to frequent misunderstandings that required face-to-face clarification.'

Using Harvard Citations

Remember to include in-text citations. Example: 'Schwartz and Powell (2012) note that e-mail is the most widely used communication technology (Katz & Rice, 2002).' Note that you do not need a reference list for this exam.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Too Much Summary: Keep summary to 30% of your review; focus on evaluation.
Ignoring Counterarguments: Show you've considered both sides.
Lack of Personal Insight: Use your own knowledge to add depth.

Final Tips for Exam Day

Time management is crucial. Spend 30 minutes reading and note-taking, then 2 hours writing. Use the guiding questions from the exam to structure your thinking. Practice with recent articles on AI in business communication or remote team dynamics to stay current.

Conclusion

Writing a critical article review is a skill that improves with practice. By following this structured approach—summarize, evaluate, and connect—you'll demonstrate both comprehension and critical thinking. Good luck with your BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SKILLS Q1132 exam!