This article discusses how active learning can be used to develop soft skills required by managers of contemporary organizations. Findings from course materials developed in response to business and industry demand for increased focus on soft skills are examined using an emerging population, first generation college students in institutions of higher education.

Readiness: Are business majors equipped with industry-expected skills? This question remains the central theme of discussions between employers and business academicians in terms of bridging the gap between theory and practice. These discussions are useful in identifying reasons that might impede “readiness.” This article provides an overview of pedagogical and practical considerations by offering a process and evaluation framework to help business communication faculty integrate workable pedagogy to ever-evolving business practices. Suggestions are provided for authentically engaging business majors in developing industry-expected skills, such as teamwork, social collaboration, and technology. Although these suggestions will not pertain equally to all business communication settings (i.e. regional or local practices), they do allow for the examination, reflection, and application of best practices to bridge the gaps between theory and practice in terms of providing meaning and value for undergraduate business majors to develop applicable workplace and employability skills. These uncertain times underscore the importance of reflecting on and applying best practices from academic and workplace settings that can authentically engage and develop students.

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 34.2pt 0pt 0.5in; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Substance abuse is a problem that many businesses encounter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Seventy-one percent of illegal drug users were employed in 1991 compared to 76.4 percent in 2001(National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery month, 1999; National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, 2001).<span style="color: black;"> This paper presents findings from a study conducted to determine (1) if employers and employees agree about the importance of a substance abuse program in the workplace, (2) the extent the employer should be allowed to probe to identify employee substance issues, and (3) factors associated with an employee&rsquo;s reluctance to seek help from their employer for drug or alcohol abuse.</span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Virtual teams have revolutionized the ways in which organizations are able to improve business efficiency and productivity in the new era of globalization and information technology. Despite constant advancements in computer technology, virtual teams success continues to depend heavily on the ability of their members to communicate well and trust each other. This paper presents elements of successful virtual teams and accentuates the need for improved human interaction skills.</span></span></p>