MGT 309
The Differences in Academic Writing to Business Writing
Academic writing in its purity is to create knowledge and depart new knowledge. Therefore
there is a need for critical examination and some conformity. Academic writing leaves lots of
room for the examination of differing possibilities, although ending with a recommendation.
Business writing has a completely different reason for being.
Business is about action; therefore we start where academia leaves off. We take the
recommendations and do something with the information.
Review this document for the differences. Most often they are complete mirror images of one
another.
Academic Writing
VS
(values: distance, process and content, consistency in
essay style)
Business Writing
(Values: relationship, purpose, presentation,
content)
ITEM
TOPIC
ITEM
Distant and objective
tone
Personal to audience and author
Formal and big words
Tone
Conversational (not casual)
Neutral and distant
Tone
emotional
Hidden/Do not express opinion
Tone/Words
Express opinion
Wordy
Words
Concise
Consistent sentence lengths
Words
Vary sentence lengths
Longer Consistent sized paragraphs
Words
Shorter length-varied paragraph lengths
Lengthy
Words
Complete – say only what need to be said, no
more no less
Passive voice
Words
Active Voice
Essay style
Organization
Audience-centered
Indirect Approach
Organization
Most often Direct Approach
Recommendations at the end
Organization
Most often starts with
Recommendations/solution
Essay style – to the content
Organization
Organized to the reader/situation
Hook – story- definition
Introduction
First sentence = purpose/thesis/hook with
scope and why
Body
Content rich using fewer words
Thesis (last in paragraph)
Content full using more words/filler words
MGT 309
Summary – reflection of introduction
Conclusion
Goodwill, often offer of connection
Essay style
Format
Multi-formatting
Disregard time considerations
Format
Quick to read
Essay style
Presentation
Intended to be attractive
Essay style with supportive diagrams/charts
Presentation
Visuals are welcome – pictures, charts, audio,
video, etc.