Theory of Tech Comm class project: long posting

["Kristiana Decker" <kristiana_decker -at- hotmail -dot- com>]

As a first time poster, I realize that I?m asking a lot, but I would greatly 
appreciate it if you could spend a little time to help me with some research 
for a class project.  I am a graduate student who will be graduating in a 
few months, and this list has become a very valuable resource for me ever 
since one of my professors told me about it.

A classmate and I are working on a project for our Theory of Technical 
Communication class.  We are trying to look at the communicative 
relationships that need to be established within a workplace environment 
between members of different discourse communities (which are characterized 
by different value systems, objectives, and linguistic patterns).  What we 
are trying to discover is the particular steps that new hire tech writers 
need to take in order to establish and maintain an effective collaboration 
with his/her colleagues.

If you have time, we would appreciate any help you can give us.  What we 
would like for you to do is answer the following questions, but please feel 
free to add anything else that you think might be relevant to our research 
(also, please email me if you need clarification on any of the questions).  
You can respond to me off the list at kristiana_decker -at- hotmail -dot- com, and if 
you want, I can summarize our findings or send a link to our project once we 
have finished.


1.How would you define the role of a technical writer within an 
organization?

2.In your opinion, what are the major skills and abilities that a good 
technical writer should possess?

3.Do you feel you are a respected employee within your working environment? 
In your opinion, how do your colleagues perceive your role among them?

4.What are the expectations you have from your colleagues when working 
together toward the production of a document?

5.Can you compare/contrast the relationship you establish when colleagues of 
your rank and of higher ranks collaborate with you? Present some of your 
experiences.

6.In frequently occurred disagreements between you and your colleagues, what 
is the conflict about (i.e. different interests, choice of language, style, 
format, lack of technical knowledge)? Present some of your experiences.

7.What behavior and attitude do you adopt to prevent conflict, when 
collaborating with a colleague?

8.What steps do you take toward the bridging of a conflict that may occur 
between you and your colleague? Are you willing to compromise your ethos and 
ideas? Present some of your experiences.

9.Drawing upon your years as a new-hire technical writer, have you observed 
any change in the process you follow to produce documents and in your 
ability to successfully communicate with your colleagues?


Thanks in advance for all of your help!

Kristiana Decker


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