Rita Lowe has worked for the same boss for 11 years. Over coffee one day, her friend Sara asked her, “What is it like to work for old Charlie?” Rita replied, “Oh, I guess it’s okay. He pretty much leaves me alone. I more or less do my own thing.” Then Sara said, “Well, you’ve been at that same job for 11 years. How are you doing in it? Does it look like you will ever be promoted? If you don’t mind me saying so, I can’t for the life of me see that what you do has anything to do with the operation.” Rita replied, “Well, first of all, I really don’t have any idea of how I am doing. Charlie never tells me, but I’ve always taken the attitude that no news is good news. As for what I do and how it contributes to the operation around here, Charlie mumbled something when I started the job about being important to the operation, but that was it. We really don’t communicate very well.” 

Question

1. Analyze Rita's last statement: "We really don't communicate very well." What is the status of manager-subordinate communication in this work relationship? 

2. It was said in this chapter that communication is a dynamic, personal process. Does the situation described verify this contention? Be specific in your answer. 

3. Are there any implications in this situation for interactive communication? How could feedback be used more effectively?