CHARTERED GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTANCY

INSTITUTE IN ZIMBABWE

SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS AND MARKING GUIDE:

NOVEMBER 2021

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION AND ETHICS

Question 1: Response

In a broad stroke, the response we are expecting includes an explanation of the given points. It is not
just a matter of repeating or regurgitating the points, the main thrust is on the art of writing and
communication, as well as organisation, selection, synthesis of material and reflective personal writing
but within the framework of a Memorandum of Corporation as stated. The art of communication is
supposed to be weaved in the development of the material and the writing process. All the points are
as given in the question paper. Answers could also include transparency in terms of capital injections,
partnerships, company as a juristic/legal person with definable duties and responsibilities, envisaged
capital gains (if deemed necessary), calibre and standing of the Board of Directors and their business
experiences and astuteness, turnaround time for deliveries, as well as employment creation for the
formal sector etc.

Question 2.

This is a straight forward item/question that calls for candidates’ careful reading in order for them to
punctuate accurately and retain as well as convey the ethical aspects embodied in the original article.
This writing task tests students’ understanding of the legislative environment in which business takes
place. Regard will be on how the students’ interpretation of the question and the integration of the
ethical aspects of commerce in the construction and formulation of the report. Technical aspects such
as grammar, spelling, punctuation, and ability to write a report will also be considered.

 The Procurement Department continues doing the best that it can to obtain a reasonably-
priced block of apartments for the present workforce coming from outside the resident town
of the Head Office.
 It has not been easy at all, especially in the current economically unstable and toxic
environment.
 Management may want to know that in our latest efforts with an estate management firm
that we shall not name, the valuation officer promised us the first option of refusal for some
named embassy lease and eventual sale of their premises, if we deposited some undisclosed
greenback into his personal account with one of the leading international banks.
 Fraud and unjust enrichment have never been part of our organisational culture and practice.
 We are aware of the expectations of the stokeholders and stakeholders alike.
 We are striving to be ethical in all our business dealings, contracts and transactions so that
the company gets the best out of our bargaining expertise, conscious that all dealings and
contracts must be conducted professionally, always.
 The company rules and business ethics cannot be bent at whim to suit individuals’ fleeting
interests and private pursuits.
 We would like to let Management know that we have pending promises that we are following
up.
 Nonetheless, should there be any change in terms of policy regarding the manner in which we
are doing business, we would be glad to be guided and enforce the same in the best interest
of the organisation.
 Where enforcement would undermine the organisation’s interests, and where the
Department is induced to act fraudulently, we are ready to accept correction and admonition
in the interest of exceptional fairness.

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Business Communication and Ethics Suggested Solutions: November 2021 Page 2 of 3
 Question 3.

1. Memorandum should focus on the layout of a memorandum, including addressee, addresser, date
and heading. Candidate must show the nature of a memorandum as part of internal communication
within a business organisation/entity. Business language, selection of terms, and tone must be
appropriate and report must give detail. Credit will be given for clear, formal, succinct and flowing
expression that is easy to follow/read/comprehend. Areas expected may cover issues of timeous
licensing, taxation systems, import and export formalities, trading tariffs, inter-company/inter-sector
collaborations, incentives for local investors/exhibitors, close co-operation between ZITF, Chamber
of Commerce and Industry, and the responsible Government ministry, among other pointers for
consideration.

Question 4.

The question demands critical thinking, flow and critical analysis, engaging language and delivery of
language issues in response to the given questions, among other critical factors. The question is more
on the critical cultural soft skills. The idea is also to check on consciousness and inclusivity within an
organisation and how all these shape intercultural communication and organisational culture.
Candidates are expected to use all the points as given.

Question 5.

The focus is on writing skills as well as the role of language in advertising, particularly packaging of
information in communication.

Question 6.

Student should demonstrate what they understand by the term ethics, and expand on ethical
implications brought about by COVID-19. The student should demonstrate the ability to adapt to new
environmental demands since COVID-19 is novel.

Transparency, doctor’s certificate, application for and granting of sick leave, home office depending
on nature of duties, working on line, zoom meetings, meeting deadlines, newer forms of outreach,
leave without pay, bonus payment based on performance and delivery, promotion on a prorated basis,
frequent digital communication depending on nature of duties and set parameters that help to meet
targets. Plus, among other stopgap measures.

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