BOK Chapter Update: Communications

The chapter on Communication has been updated in the Body of Knowledge (BOK). It appears in Part I: General Administration and Management.

Communication is the process of passing information and understanding from one person to another. However, effective communication is more than a core leadership skill; it is essential for leadership success. Communication includes speaking, writing, listening, and ensuring congruency between words and actions. Leaders deliver messages multiple times daily, so information, thoughts, and ideas must be transmitted not only in a way that listeners understand but also with caring and honesty.

The main idea of effective communication is that it occurs only if the receiver understands the exact idea or information the sender is trying to convey to the person or persons doing the listening. Without this understanding, communication has not been successful.

Available to APPA members only, the BOK is a searchable, digital database that develops, updates, and disseminates the foundational content required by facilities professionals at colleges, universities, and other nonprofit educational organizations. Its 63 chapters, which are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis, cover topics categorized in the four core areas of General Administration and Management; Operations and Maintenance; Energy, Utilities, and Environmental Stewardship; and Planning, Design, and Construction.  

APPA members wishing to get involved in the BOK, whether as chapter authors or peer reviewers, are asked to complete this form or send an email Glen Haubold ([email protected]) and Steve Maruszewski ([email protected]), using the subject line APPA Body of Knowledge.