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Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 1

ESSENTIALS OF BUSINESS
COMMUNICATION 10TH EDITION GUFFEY
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CHAPTER 7 SOLUTIONS

Writing Improvement Exercises

Passive-Voice Verbs (Obj. 3)


16. Free shipping is unavailable for orders under $100. OR: Free shipping is available on all
orders over $100.
17. Patients cannot be admitted until after their insurance coverage is verified. OR: Patients
can be admitted after verification of their insurance coverage.
18. Because visitors are no longer covered by our liability insurance coverage, company
tours must be postponed indefinitely.
19. Large SUVs are not covered by your car rental insurance.
20. Health and dental benefits are offered only after employees have been on the job for 12
months.

Subordinating Bad News (Obj. 3)


21. Although your complete order cannot be shipped at this time, two corner workstations
should arrive within five days.
22. Although flowers could not be shipped the week before Mother's Day, we apologize and
invite you to try again with free shipping for the next week.
23. Although sustainability goals prevent us from mailing print catalogs, we now offer all of
our catalog choices at our website, which is always current.
24. Although an employment offer cannot be extended at this time, we appreciate your
interest in our organization.
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system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 2

25. Although your last order was delayed, we have improved our shipping process and we
promise that your next order will arrive within a week.

Implying Bad News (Obj. 3)


26. All our present funds are needed to lease equipment and offices for our new branch in
Hartford. However, we hope to be able to support this commendable endeavor in the
future.
27. We have your fresh fruit basket ready and will ship it as soon as you call us with your
credit card number.
28. Because our billboard space was completely filled during the holidays, we hope to
display your message, as promised, next month.

© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 3

7.1 Radical Rewrite


Request Refusal—Bitter Taste of the Beach

Weaknesses
a. Fails to develop a positive tone with a gracious opening and closing.
b. Instead of opening bluntly, the writer should have started with positive remarks about the
popularity of this recurring summer event and his enjoyment at past participation.
c. Emphasizes the refusal instead of softening it throughout and suggesting an alternate
benefit.
d. Could have softened the bad news by implying it or by inserting it into a subordinating
clause followed by a benefit (Although major remodeling prevents us from participating
this year, we can offer a free dinner . . . ).
e. Closes with a negative statement instead of emphasizing a benefit and looking forward
positively.

Revision

Current date

Ms. Diane Hinchcliffe


Taste of the Beach
310 Ocean Avenue, Suite 304
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93521

Dear Ms. Hinchcliffe:

Taste of the Beach has always been a popular summer charity event here in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
I’m glad to hear that this year’s event will combine new and established food, wine, music, and
artistic offerings from prized vintners, renowned chefs, and performing artists.

Earlier in the year I had agreed to participate by providing a selection of tasty hors d’oeuvres
from my restaurant, The Zodiac. In the past we have enjoyed being able to participate by
contributing other small dishes from my restaurant and being present to greet friends and
neighbors who tried our delicacies.

Not only is it a festive event, but Taste of the Beach supports an admirable charity, Big Brothers
Big Sisters of America. This wonderful youth mentoring organization directly impacts children’s
lives with measurable results. Although major remodeling of our kitchen prevents us from
participating this year, we can offer a free dinner for two at our restaurant—when we complete
our renovations in October.

To offer this coupon for your silent raffle, let me know by calling 622-3300. This year’s event
sounds as if it will be outstanding, and The Zodiac hopes to be able to participate in this
worthwhile affair in the future.

Sincerely,
© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 4

7.2 Radical Rewrite


Bad News to Customers—Hackers Hijack E-Mail Addresses

Weaknesses
a. Begins weakly with a general statement leaving receivers wondering why the message was
written.
b. Includes a long lead-in (This is just to let you know that).
c. Fails to explain exactly what happened and when the security breach took place.
d. Places the promise to guard privacy in the first paragraph when it would be more logical in the
last paragraph.
e. Includes many dangling modifiers (as a customer of Princeton, your privacy . . .; Taking your
privacy very seriously, e-mail addresses . . .; To provide even more information about this
incident, the U.S. postal service . . .).
f. Suffers from lack of agreement (the user is now required to enter their e-mail address and their
password before they can . . .) and other grammar faults.
g. Fails to organize the message logically with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
h. Concludes with neither customer assurance nor mention of a letter coming with more info.

Revision

To: Kara Khalial [kkhalial@coastal.net]


From: Justin Small [jsmall@princetonpayment.org]
Subject: Customer Security Incident at Princeton Payment Systems
Cc:
Bcc:
You are receiving this e-mail because of a recent incident at Princeton Payment Systems
resulting in the release of some customer e-mail addresses.

On November 12 we learned that computer hackers had maliciously exploited a function


designed to make our log-in process faster. The hackers deliberately went to great lengths to
extract customer e-mail addresses. However, within hours we had disabled the mechanism and
established a new procedure that requires users to enter both their e-mail addresses and their
passwords. I want to assure you that the only information revealed was your e-mail address.
Your password, account information, and any other personal information were never at risk.

Because the attack was limited to e-mail addresses, we encourage you to be alert to scams that
could attempt to use this information to obtain other data or send you unwanted e-mail. You can
learn more about “phishing” at http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/alerts/phishing.html.

We take your privacy very seriously and do not tolerate unauthorized access to our customers’
information. We promise to continue working around the clock to keep your information safe.
Thanks very much for being a Princeton customer. In the next few days, you will receive more
information about this incident via U.S. mail.

Sincerely,

[Full contact information]


© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 5

7.3 Radical Rewrite


Claim Denial—Warranty Does Not Mean a New Device

Weaknesses
a. Begins with a long lead-in (This letter is being sent to you to inform you that).
b. Delivers the bad news bluntly with no effort to soften the blow.
c. Heaps blame on the customer and chastises her for not handling the smartphone properly.
d. Emphasizes the bad news by repeating it in the middle of the letter.
e. Fails to present the reasons logically or positively.
f. Presents the options to the reader poorly without much effort to promote the product or renew
good feelings.
g. Does not conclude with a way for the customer to get in touch with the writer easily.

Revision

Current date

Ms. Haley Tranquillo


501 Westhampton Way
Richmond, VA 23173

Dear Ms. Tranquillo:

Many of our customers purchase the Peace of Mind Plan to insure their valuable smartphones
against theft, loss, and malfunction as you have done. The low fee of $5.99 a month is a wise
investment in protecting your expensive device.

Although fairly sturdy, today’s smartphones are very sophisticated electronic gadgets that require
proper care and handling. The Peace of Mind Plan is designed for the most common incidents
smartphone owners’ experience, such as when their devices are stolen, lost, or defective. In
addition, all our cellular phones are backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty against
manufacturing defects. Under the Peace of Mind Plan, we gladly replace smartphones as long as
they have not been exposed to liquids or have not sustained physical damage. Our service
technicians discovered that the dot indicating liquid intrusion inside the device had turned bright
red. In addition, the smartphone casing showed signs of blunt force.

Although the one-year manufacturer’s warranty has expired by now, you have options, Ms.
Tranquillo. You may want to purchase a low-cost remanufactured Droid for $49 plus tax.
Alternatively, you could buy any of our newest cell phones at full retail cost. Furthermore, your
two-year contract is nearing Month 20. This means that you will be able to choose from a
number of free or inexpensive models with a new two-year contract.

Please visit any of our retail outlets for a personalized consultation, or go to


www.alphawireless.com to browse new calling plans, view current smartphones, and order your
product or service online.

Sincerely,
© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 6

Activities and Cases

7.4 Request Refusal: Advocating for Abused Children

Current date

Mrs. Paulina Ramirez


4382 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701

Dear Mrs. Ramirez:

Let me commend you on the fine work you are doing as a volunteer with CASA. Its programs to
recruit, train, and support volunteers to work with abused children deserve the high praise it
receives from local and national communities. My heart goes out to those children who have
been mistreated and whose futures are determined by the courts. CASA performs an invaluable
service in helping these children find adoptive homes and escape the child welfare system.

In the past my company was able to make generous contributions. This fiscal year, however, has
been difficult for us and for many other financial services organizations. Although funds are
unavailable for charitable donations this year, we hope to be able to continue our support of
CASA when the economy picks up and the future looks brighter.

Sincerely,

© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 7

7.5 Request Refusal: Pink Dragons Sink Application

To: Josephine Rosa <jrosa@pinkdragons.org>


From: Your Name <your e-mail address>
Subject: Your Request for Adobe Sponsorship
Cc:
Bcc:

Dear Josephine:

We enjoyed learning about the fascinating sport of dragon boat racing and about the role it plays
in the lives of many active breast cancer survivors. Your team is to be commended for its
competitive spirit and positive attitude.

Our company supports a variety of great causes, breast cancer among them. We receive requests
for sponsorships daily; therefore, we have decided to streamline the application process by
asking that proposals be submitted on our website (the link is listed below). Although we would
like to accommodate every request, our sponsorship funds are finite. We must evaluate each
organization’s purpose, the audiences served by the sponsorship, and any potential benefits
Adobe will receive from the sponsorship. To have enough time to assess the merit of each
application, we require submissions at least six weeks before the event for which the sponsorship
is being requested. Although the deadline for the upcoming dragon boat festival has already
passed, we encourage you to apply again in the future and give us at least six weeks before your
event to respond.

Josephine, we wish your team much success and hope that the dragon boat festival in San Diego
next month will be a hit with participants and spectators alike.

Best regards,

Your Name
[Full contact information]

Sponsorship request form:


http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/sponsorship.html

© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 8

7.6 Request Refusal: No Favors for Jamba Juice

Current date

Mr. Joe Wong, Vice President


Product Development
Jamba Inc.
450 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102

Dear Joe:

It’s good to learn that Jamba Inc. is expanding its menu with drinks that are more substantial and
could substitute for a meal. In today’s fast-paced world, people have less time for sit-down
meals, and a hearty, healthful smoothie would be perfect for nutrition-conscious folks on the
move.

Like you, we at Mainstream Software have been expanding our workforce. We have many
employees, but we have no dedicated cafeteria. Instead we have a lunchroom where employees
may eat lunches they bring from home. It is quite small and provides no amenities such as would
be needed to offer the experimental drinks on which you have been working. Although we can’t
help you by installing a Jamba Juice booth bar here at Mainstream, I am personally interested in
sampling your experimental concoctions. Is there any way I could try out some of your drinks
and give you my feedback?

I am definitely a Jamba Juice fan and have tried nearly all the drinks you now offer. Please let
me know how I can act as a guinea pig for you. Go Jamba!

Sincerely,

© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 9

7.7 Request Refusal: Loud Music Bothers Tenant Neighbor

Current date

Mr. Manuel Quinones, CPA


Suite 300, Two Buckhead Plaza
3050 Peachtree Road, NW
Atlanta, GA 30305

Dear Mr. Quinones:

Subject: Your Recent Inquiry About a Neighboring Tenant

Thank you for bringing up your concerns about the loud music coming from Mr. Eslan’s office. I
can understand how frustrating the noise must be, especially when you are conducting business
with clients.

Leasing commercial property is frequently a challenge, as the working environments of tenants


are invariably diverse. A commercial tenancy is different from a residential tenancy. A lease for
an apartment can include specific language regarding issues such as noise, but a standard
commercial lease may not. Because Mr. Eslan has not broken any of the covenants in his lease,
he is entitled to conduct business in the building.

Mr. Quinones, as one of my most valued tenants, you can be sure that I will work with you to
resolve this matter. I suggest that we meet with Mr. Eslan to discuss an equitable resolution to
the problem. We might consider sharing the cost of soundproofing. I will set up a meeting for
later this week.

Sincerely,

© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 10

7.8 Claim Denial: Lost in Flight

Current date

Ms. Genna Frymoyer-Morris


1805 Panorama Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93305

Dear Ms. Frymoyer-Morris:

We can imagine that the loss of your glasses on our flight from Washington, DC, to Los Angeles
with a stopover at Denver International Airport must be truly frustrating.

Our flight attendants are instructed to remind passengers that the cabins will be cleaned during
brief layovers. Most passengers leave the plane and do not return because they are catching
connecting flights. During these brief layovers, cleaning crews must work swiftly as they pass
through the cabins picking up discarded newspapers and other items. However, they should have
recognized your glasses and given them to an attendant.

We regret your loss, and we will definitely review our instructions to crews about warning
passengers to remove their personal belongings if they deplane. Although the cost of the glasses
cannot be refunded, we can offer you an equivalent value in travel vouchers on our planes
between any destinations they serve.

Thank you for flying National Airlines, and we hope to see you soon as you use the enclosed
travel vouchers.

Sincerely,

Enclosure

© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 11

7.9 Claim Denial: Going Ape After Botched Gorilla Party

To: Paul Littleton <plittleton@outlook.com>


From: Your Name <your e-mail address>
Subject: Gorilla Costume Inquiry
Cc:
Bcc:

Dear Mr. Littleton:

Thank you for telling us of the late arrival of your Gorilla Blinky Eye With Chest costume. Like
you, we are disappointed that it did not arrive in time for your Halloween party.

In checking our records, we note that your order arrived five days before Halloween. This is the
busiest time of the year for us, and our staff grows from 60 core employees to over 300 during
this season. We were, nevertheless, able to ship your order the next day, which is our promise to
all customers. We shipped your order according to the option you noted: Standard Shipping. This
option requires three to six business days for arrival. Because the package was traveling from
Wisconsin to Buffalo, New York, that apparently was not enough time.

We understand how disappointed you were at not having the gorilla costume for your Halloween
party. Although the costs of the party cannot be reimbursed, we will be happy to allow you to
return the costume for a full refund of $139.99. Be sure it is returned in its original packaging. In
addition, we enclose a $20 coupon toward the purchase of your next costume from
BuyCostumes.

We are dedicated to providing the best possible service to our customers. If you need a costume
by a specific date, please call our Customer Care Department (800-123-4567) to see if it’s
possible for us to deliver it in time. We invite you to visit our online catalog at buycostumes.com
to see the exciting new costumes we are receiving daily.

Although BuyCostumes is the world’s largest online costume and accessories retailer, we value
personal relationships with customers like you, and we look forward to serving you again for all
your costume needs.

Sincerely,

Your Name
[Full contact information]

© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 12

7.10 Claim Denial: Raising a Stink About a Charge for Smoking


in the Room

Current date

Mr. Trevor H. Taylor


580 Lottie Street
Bellingham, WA 98225

Dear Mr. Taylor:

Metropol Grand Hotel is committed to providing an attractive setting and comfortable


surroundings for every guest’s visit. We realize that our guests have high expectations, and to
meet or exceed those expectations we recently completed a two-year plan to refurbish many
rooms with new carpets, upholstery, finishes, and draperies.

You stayed in one of our renovated nonsmoking rooms. That room was clearly marked as a
“Nonsmoking Room.” In addition to the notice inside the room, guests are given a handout
detailing our nonsmoking policy for selected rooms. The handout says that guests who disregard
our nonsmoking policy will have a fee of $150 charged to their accounts.

Your business is very important to us. We hold each guest in the highest regard and are truly
thankful for your patronage. On your next visit to the Metropol Grand Hotel, we would be happy
to reserve for you a smoking room.

Sincerely,

© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 13

7.11 Customer Bad News: Putting the Brakes on Bakery Deliveries

Current date

Mr. Emil Broussard


Café Broussard
2013 West Lee Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70820

Dear Mr. Broussard:

We appreciate that you have been a loyal La Boulangerie customer since we opened our bakery
almost ten years ago. It has been a pleasure dealing with you and your staff at Café Broussard.

To ensure that your customers receive only the best products, we import high-quality ingredients
from around the world. The increasing costs of wheat, sugar, and other ingredients have meant
that many of our suppliers have had to increase their prices. As a result, our production costs
have grown over 20 percent in the last six months.

As you know, we have been pleased to provide our valued clients with free delivery service since
we opened. The soaring price of gas combined with our increased production costs makes it
impossible for us to maintain free delivery. Although a nominal delivery charge of $20 must be
added to each order, this ensures that you will receive the same personal attention and high-
quality bakery goods that you have enjoyed over the years. Because you have been a loyal and
long-term customer, we invite you to take advantage of a special offer. If you sign up for our
preapproved delivery program by April 1, you will save 50 percent of the delivery charge for the
next year.

Please contact me at 225-422-7891 to arrange a convenient delivery schedule that would best suit
your needs. We look forward to supplying Café Broussard with delicious treats for years to
come.

Sincerely,

© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 14

7.12 Customer Bad News: Blunder in Scheduling Fairytale


Cottage Wedding

In a memo students should outline a course of action, such as the following:

• Call each bride-to-be, describe the problem, and apologize.


• Explain why the problem occurred, what you are doing to resolve it, and how you will
prevent it from happening again.
• Offer a bonus if one of the brides will switch days.
• Promote goodwill by following up with messages that document the phone calls and provide
details of the bonus offer.

Assume that Julie Brehm was able to switch her wedding date to June 4. The following might
serve as a follow-up message.

Current date

Ms. Julie Brehm


240 Lakeview Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30305

Dear Ms. Brehm:

Please accept our sincere apology for the disruption of your wedding plans here at Sea Island.
We realize how distressing it is to change plans for such an important event in your life.

Normally, I personally schedule all Sea Island weddings. However, while I was gone for two
weeks last fall, two weddings were inadvertently scheduled for June 14. I can assure you that this
will not happen again as I have installed a new scheduling app that prevents double booking.

Although you will not be using the Cloister Chapel on June 14, we are delighted that you were
able to change your wedding date to June 4. We promise to help you plan a perfect ceremony in
the enchanting Cloister Chapel followed by a reception in the luxurious Cloister Beach Club.
Because you graciously switched dates, we are pleased to offer you one night in our sumptuous
bridal suite as the guests of Sea Island Resort.

We look forward to welcoming you and your guests for your wedding on June 4. Please call my
private line at 322-995-3011 to allow me to work with you in organizing the details of your
magical and joyous event.

Sincerely,

© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 15

7.13 Customer Bad News: Which Elliptical for Commercial Gym?

To: Rudy Cardenas <rcardenas@24hourfitness.com>


From: Your Name <your e-mail address>
Subject: Your Order for 24-Hour Fitness Equipment
Cc:
Bcc:

Dear Mr. Cardenas:

Thank you for your order! Your new Olympic Benches, Stamina Power Towers, and Premier
Dumbbells have been shipped and should arrive on May 17 via UPS.

The Titanic 20 Elliptical, which you ordered, is a favorite of many of our home customers. It
offers an enjoyable aerobic workout without the harmful impact of running or walking.
However, most fitness centers purchase our Titanic 90 because it is larger, safer, and specifically
designed for the heavy use and varying needs of fitness customers.

In addition to its sturdier construction, the Titanic 90 Elliptical offers a built-in cooling fan,
water bottle holder, and speakers that allow users to hook up to any MP3 player (iPod, etc.) for
easy listening. In addition, it comes with a chest-strap heart-rate monitor, has 20 resistance
levels, and features a lifetime warranty on its frame. Although the Titanic 90 costs more at
$3,100, the machine will withstand the constant pounding your customers will give it. With all of
its advanced features, the Titanic 90 is sure to be a favorite among your customers.

Before we ship your ellipticals, I want to be sure that we’re sending you the equipment that is
best for 24-Hour Fitness. Of course, we’re happy to ship the Titanic 20 if you prefer it. Please
call me at 1-800-254-9001 so that we can confirm the Titanic model and ship this part of your
order.

Sincerely,

Your Name
[Full contact information]

© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 16

7.14 Employee Bad News: Rising Tuition? You’re on Your Own

To: Sabrina Sparks <ssparks@firstfederalbank.com>


From: Your Name <your e-mail address>
Subject: Your Inquiry Regarding Tuition Reimbursement
Cc:
Bcc:

Sabrina,

We appreciate your thoughtful message requesting that First Federal Bank establish a program to
reimburse the costs of college expenses such as tuition and books.

You’re smart, Sabrina, in striving to further your education by returning to school to take
additional courses that improve your career skills. Thriving companies are able to offer tuition
reimbursement to selected employees when they return to school. These programs are expensive
to organizations because they involve not only the actual cost of tuition and books but also the
cost of program administration.

As you know, First Federal is facing stiff competition in the banking industry, and our profits
have not been strong. Although a tuition reimbursement program cannot be considered at this
time, we are hopeful that it might be possible in the future.

Our CEO Christopher Epley joins me in expressing our appreciation for the fine work you are
doing at First Federal. We admire your desire to advance your education and wish you all the
best.

Sincerely,

Your Name
[Full contact information]

© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 17

7.15 Employee Bad News: Only Employees Can Play

To: Staff Members


From: Your Name <your e-mail address>
Subject: Nonemployees on Intramural Sports Teams
Cc:
Bcc:

Several employees recently requested that friends and family members be invited to participate
in Portland Paper Company sports teams. Our intramural sports teams are a popular employee
social activity that we hope to continue.

Currently, our intramural teams are open to all employees of Portland. The company has eight
volleyball, tennis, and softball teams, with over 100 employees participating. Because most team
rosters are currently full, adding participants to the teams would require changing the team
rosters and game schedules for which employees have already planned. More important, our
intramural sports teams give employees regular opportunities to have fun together. Keeping the
team rosters “employee-only” ensures that all employees can enjoy the camaraderie of Portland
teams.

I hope that employees will invite family and friends to participate as spectators at games and to
socialize with us afterwards. Our teams always welcome cheering fans!

Your Name
[Full contact information]

© 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part, except for use as permitted in a
license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.
Solutions – Chapter 7 ⚫ 18

7.16 Employee Bad News: Nixing Facebook at Work

To: Staff Members


From: Darcy M. Diamond <dmdiamond@marketingmatters.com>
Subject: Avoiding the Perils of Facebook
Cc:
Bcc:

Most of us would probably agree that sharing information on Facebook can lead to professional
networking opportunities. Social media and Web-based collaboration tools such as wikis can
increase productivity and create digitally savvy workers. However, by now most workers know
that overexposure or inappropriate behavior online can lead to privacy breaches and have very
negative consequences, including job loss.

Despite the obvious advantages and even fun aspects of social media such as Facebook, we are
highly concerned about the risk of confidential or privileged information leaking via social
networking sites. This concern has led us to formulate a detailed social networking policy, which
is available on our intranet. Although the use of Facebook and Twitter on company time is
prohibited effective immediately, you may continue to use social networks off the clock.
Nevertheless, all Facebook and Twitter users should always be cautious about any content posted
online, even if it’s just a seemingly harmless comment such as “Rough day at work” or “Talked
to the most idiotic client ever!” Such errors of judgment have cost workers their jobs. At the
least, privacy settings should be used consistently and extreme caution ought to be exercised
when “friending” virtual strangers.

We all benefit if we apply common street smarts online: Don’t talk to strangers and don’t run
around intoxicated or improperly dressed. The digital equivalent of these precautions will ensure
that no one needs to feel embarrassed or worse. Please review the latest employee handbook,
which includes a section on social media. You will find a link to the policy manual prominently
displayed on the portal page of our intranet.

Darcy M. Diamond
[Full contact information]

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license distributed with a certain product or service or otherwise on a password-protected website or school-approved learning management
system for classroom use.

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