The Association for Business Communication defines itself as seeking "to become the foremost authority in the field of business communication by promoting excellence in teaching, increasing knowledge within the discipline, enriching business communication classes to better prepare students, and improving the quality of communication in the workplace." Their mission is to be "an international, interdisciplinary organization committed to advancing business communication, research, education, and practice."
Boundaries: The ABC serves paying members only, their bylaws clearly state what kinds of membership there are. Sustaining members pay the membership fee decided on by the Board of Directors, corporate sponsors are Board-approved companies that pay membership dues (academic institutions do not qualify as corporate sponsors), student members are members that pay a reduced fee, as well as retired members who are no longer employed by a university or academic institution. There are also honorary members that are nominated by a paying member so that they get free membership for a year. Aspects of the association such as their priorities are outlined in the strategic plan, and are not available to the public. Access to such information is only granted upon obtaining a member status.
Artifacts: A list of publications including Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, International Journal of Business Communication, and the ABC Newsletter. There is a link to the ABC YouTube channel as well as resources for Video Conference Tips, links to relevant blogs, articles, and other online resources related to business communication, and notes from ABC Conference Proceedings.
Identities: The ABC is virtually open to anyone, but they seek out those involved in management, English, speech communication, and the like. The association is spread internationally and they are able to hold various annual conferences to allow for networking among members and the sharing of valuable knowledge.