Please read the “Something’s Rotten In Hondo” case (below) or under /Content /DUH Case.
Directional Communication (Downward, Upward & Horizontal)
You will write THREE separate letters (downward, upward & lateral), using proper formatting for the letters (it is not an email!). Your letters should be addressed to a single individual with, you know, a NAME- Not “Dear Employee” or something similar. Upload ONE file including all three communications into the appropriate box in Dl2. Please remember that Turnitin is enabled for this assignment.
- Using the HONDO case, you will assume the role of the character of George Mackee for the purpose of writing all three of the letters.
- Write an UPWARD letter to Bill regarding your decision, keeping in mind how Bill dropped the whole decision into your lap (as stated in the case). You need to remember to remain professional in your dealings with him, and the blame game never gets you anywhere.
- Write a HORIZONTAL letter to your contemporaries (other managers at other plant locations) to gather informationto help you in making your decision(s). In this case, you need to concentrate on gaining their help- they are peers, and you are basically asking for a favor from them, so write your letter accordingly.
4. Write a DOWNWARD letter to your employees regarding the actions, decisions, consequences of your decision and how it affects them personally. This is the most difficult of the three letters, so I am providing a few hints. Do not make the mistake of oversharing if your decision is negative. Recognize that although managers deal with these issues all the time, employees do not. Remember that ANYTHING you write to employees will wind up in the local paper by the next morning. So write it that way.
- Be thorough in your letters. Include details; be vigilant with spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc. Use Times New Roman, 12 point font, and 1 inch margins. Remember inside addresses (which are single-spaced) and signature blocks. These are letters, not emails.