The Role and Value of Technical Communicators: Technical Communicators and Subject Matter Experts Weigh In

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study compares how technical communicators (TCs) and subject matter experts (SMEs) characterize the role and value of the TC. Seven TCs and eight SMEs participated in an investigation of the similarities and differences between the perceptions of these two groups. Key findings are that SMEs perceive of TCs as investigators, educators, and relationship builders; TCs talk about themselves in terms of investigators, interpreters, and audience advocates; and TCs are often uncomfortable discussing their value.

KEYWORDS:

• Roles
• subject matter experts
• technical communicators
• value
• workplace

Notes

^1. All individual and company names are pseudonyms.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tammy Rice-Bailey

Tammy Rice-Bailey has a Ph.D. in professional writing from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and an M.A. in English literature from DePaul University. She is currently an assistant professor at the Milwaukee School of Engineering.