Workplace Writing
To begin research for the workplace a writer first determines the audience, purpose, and scope. Many different types of technical documents are written in the work place. A technical writer needs to find the right material from different sources, document the information, and avoid plagiarism. Several different types of writing can involve (Smith-Worthington, D. & Jefferson, S., 2008, p. 45).
• Product development
• Production problem
• Purchasing
• Safety procedures
• Employee benefits
• Advertising campaign
Find the right material
There are two types of sources (Smith-Worthington & Jefferson, 2008, p. 46):
• Primary sources
• Secondary sources
Primary sources consist of firsthand facts or observations. An example of this type of source is a diary or an eyewitness account (Smith-Worthington & Jefferson, 2008, p. 46).
Secondary sources (Smith-Worthington & Jefferson, 2008, pp. 46-52) are indirect or secondhand information. These can include
• Correspondence and report archives
Includes letters, memos, or reports
• Library catalogues
In-house, public, or academic
• Periodicals
Includes magazines, journals, newsletters, or newspapers
Contains the most current information
• General reference material
Includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, and fact books
• Electronic sources
Connects to government, military, and educational websites among other types
Keep in mind that using credible sources “…lends credibility to your writing” (Smith-Worthington & Jefferson, 2008, p. 57). Try to use sources from authors that have a sound reputation in the field and that are well respected among peers.
Documentation and Plagiarism
After gathering information, a technical writer begins to write their document. It is important to give credit for all ideas and words that are not original. Some ways to use this information from other authors are (Smith-Worthington & Jefferson, 2008, p.61):
• Summary
• Direct quote
• Paraphrase
Not documenting in the text and on the reference page is considered plagiarism (Smith-Worthington & Jefferson, 2008, p. 52). Plagiarism is a serious offense and a person can lose their job and ruin their reputation (Smith-Worthington & Jefferson, 2008, p 52). Some ways to cite secondary information include (Yaffe, 2010):
• Chicago style
• MLA
• APA
These styles of writing help the author to give credit for another’s work or idea. Keep in mind that information that the target audience already knows does not need to be documented (Smith-Worthington & Jefferson, 2008, p. 53).
Writing in the workplace includes many different types of documents. Using in-house documents, libraries, periodical, or electronic sources aid in the author’s writing, but should always include a writing style that gives the sources credit for ideas and information. Using reputable authors or sources when gathering information gives a technical document credibility.
Reference
Smith-Worthington, D. & Jefferson, S. (2008). Technical writing for success, 3rd ed.
Yaffe, P. (2010, June 28). Technical writing skills. Retrieved from http://technicalwritingskills.com/
