Using Figure 2.5 on page 43, suggest the best communication channels for the following messages. Assume that all channels shown are available, ranging from face-to-face conversations to instant messages, blogs, and wikis. Be prepared to justify your choices based on the richness of each channel.

  

a. As part of a task force to investigate cell phone marketing, you need to establish a central location where each team member can see general information about the task as well as add comments for others to see. Task force members are located throughout the country.

  

b. You’re sitting on the couch in the evening watching TV when you suddenly remember that you were supposed to send Jeremy some information about a shared project. Should you text him right away before you forget? 

  

c. As an event planner, you have been engaged to research sites for a celebrity golf tournament. What is the best channel for conveying your findings to your boss or planning committee?

  

d. You want to persuade your manager to change your work schedule.

  

e. As a sales manager, you want to know which of your sales reps in the field are available immediately for a quick teleconference meeting.

  

f. You need to know whether Amanda in Reprographics can produce a rush job for you in two days.

  

g. Your firm must respond to a notice from the Internal Revenue Service announcing that the company owes a penalty because it underreported its income in the previous fiscal year.

  

(Reference Figure 2.5)

  

      

 

Ten Levels of Richness in Today's Workplace Communication Channels-Richest to Leanest 1 Face-to-Face 3 Video Chat 5 IM 7 Memo 9 Report Corversation Best for short Best for group interaction and consensus building when members are dispersed Richest medium. To distribute To deliver online messages Best for persuasive, bad-news, and personal messages interoffice information, especially when e-mail is unavailable considerable that need a data intemally or externally quick response lle 2 Telephone 4 E-mail 6 Letter 8 Blog 10 Wiki Best choice when Best for routine For external To share ideas To provide a repository for digital information that can messages that require formality, sensitivity, or a written record two people cannot meet in person messages that do not require immediate feedback with a wide internet audience and encourage be easily changed responses Chapter 2: Planning Business Messages 43