Aligning Learning and Communication Styles: Enhancing Business Communication Training in Management Education

Abstract

Purpose: Effective Communication Skills is vital for management professionals, yet business education often overlooks students’ diverse learning preferences. This study explores the relationship between learning styles (VARK model) and communication styles (Mark Murphy’s framework) among business management students in Mumbai to enhance instructional methods. It compares findings with five Southeast Asian case studies – Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam – that have successfully applied these models since 2018-2022. Objective: The objective is to examine the relationship between learning and communication style among first year undergraduate management students in Mumbai. Research Methodology: Using a mixed-methods approach, 400 students completed the VARK and Leadership IQ-based communication style assessments. Quantitative analysis included Chi-Square, ANOVA, and Regression. Focus group discussions (n=40) offered qualitative insights. Findings: A significant correlation was found between learning styles and communication preferences (χ2 = 12.54, ρ = 0.015). Students with aligned learning and communication styles showed better academic performance (β = 0.38, ρ = 0.008) and higher confidence. Focus groups revealed that misalignment led to disengagement and lower performance in communication courses. Further, results show that learning-communication alignment boosts confidence, employability, echoing gains seen in Southeast Asian countries. Implications: This study calls for Indian B-Schools to adopt blended, multimodal, and culturally responsive pedagogy.