The findings of a survey of attitude studies to determine the effect of students' attitudes on communication competence as they enter the work force and develop their careers are reported in this paper. The paper explains how attitude improvement is an effective management tool in controlling costly absenteeism, output, job productivity, work performance, and turnover, as well as in sustaining organizational commitment. It then suggests that attitude is an important component in the recruiting process, during inservice training, in maintaining internal morale, and in the molding of a reputation that reflects the total organizational image. The paper also focuses on the traditional concept of a caring emotional climate of empathy, affiliation, and pride in the company, as well as clarity of objectives, as necessary ingredients of positive attitude formation, and discusses the effects of a positive attitude in dealing with personal/professional frustration, leadership behavior, team integration, and employee satisfaction with job, supervisor, and the organization as a whole. The paper concludes with a proposal for further research on individual attitude as a component of competence, and a recommendation for semiannual employee-employer workshops for implementing and maintaining a well-managed attitudinal environment. (Author/HOD)