Business Communication, Third Edition

Writing Exercises

1. 16 Analyzing communication effectiveness

   In January 1996, Philadelphia experienced one of the most paralyzing snowstorms in its history. In one day, two and a half feet of snow fell, making travel treacherous. Some employers closed their doors completely. Others encouraged their workers to stay at home. Still others expected everyone to fight through the storm to get to work.

   J. Richard Carnall, chair of PNC Bank’s mutual fund operation, was one of the employers who expected workers to fight through the storm. On the day following the snowstorm, Carnall was furious that only 30 percent of the staff reported to work. He wrote a memo to employees expressing his outrage that so many employees decided to stay home. He praised employees ...