The Case Method: “Managing Uncertainty” in the Business Communication Course

Abstract

In American business education, a common tool for engaging students is the case method. Pioneered by the Harvard Business School, case studies simulate real-life situations in which students must respond critically to complex issues. The case method has become a widespread pedagogy across business education with the exception of business communication, which has not yet fully explored this method. This article offers a brief history and description of case method pedagogy, a sample case in which students must respond to a challenging letter of complaint, and ideas for integrating this case into a business communication course.