A study examined the relationship between perceived communication competence and its importance in business organizations and the need for additional training of college business students in communication competencies. A survey was sent to all individuals who had indicated to a university center for management education and services an active interest in business or organizational training procedures or programs over the previous 5 years. One hundred eighty-five responses were received. Respondents were asked to indicate on a four-point scale the extent of competence of supervisor or management personnel in specific communication skills with subordinates, supervisors, and peers; the importance of those skills to supervisors or middle management personnel; and in which of the communication skills categories additional training was needed. The categories used were formal presentation, group problem solving, conference leadership, giving directions, handling grievances, private conferences, delegating authority, motivating people, and listening. The results indicated that listening, motivating people, and handling grievances were ranked as the top three areas in which additional training was needed. In general, supervisors or middle management personnel saw these three areas as being the most important to them regardless of with whom they are communicating. Listening and motivating people were the areas where on-the-job training should be concentrated, and where students should place the most emphasis before entering the business job market. (HTH)