Oral communication skills assessment in a synchronous hybrid MBA programme: does attending face-to-face matter for US and international students?

Abstract

The ability to communicate effectively is an essential skill for graduates of Masters of Business Administration (MBA) programmes; however, as synchronous hybrid learning becomes more common, business schools may find it challenging to assess students’ proficiency in this core area. An additional layer of complexity is added by the burgeoning enrolment of international students in this technology-enriched learning environment. The objective of this exploratory study was to examine the relationships among attendance mode (online vs. on-campus), student nationality (domestic vs. international) and oral communication assessment scores in a synchronous hybrid MBA programme. Quantitative data from 202 hybrid MBA students collected over 12 semesters revealed domestic students were rated as more proficient orators than international students when assessed face-to-face. These results, however, were not replicated when students were assessed in a synchronous online environment. Furthermore, the results indicated that international students received higher scores when their oral communication skills were assessed online compared to face-to-face. Conversely, domestic students who were assessed face-to-face had higher mean scores than the domestic students who were assessed online. The findings are discussed with respect to teaching and learning in hybrid environments, technology-mediated assessment design and accreditation practices in non-traditional programme delivery modes.