Case Scenario:
You are a public relations manager called upon to present some information regarding changes in retail store operations to three different sets of stakeholders of a retail clothing store chain. The stakeholders include store managers, store employees, retail customers and the public. You must explain adjustments made to combat rising gas prices in an effort to save money on store operations while allowing employees to come to work on fewer days per week.
Stores will now be closed on Sundays. Monday through Saturday, stores will be open an hour later and closed an hour earlier. Full-time employees, including managers, will have four 10-hour-day workweeks and part-time employees will consolidate their hours into 1-, 2-, or 3-day workweeks, depending on how many hours they work. No stores are closing, but no new stores will be opened at this time, either. While constructing your messages, determine what audience characteristics must be considered for each stakeholder.
Things to consider include:
The appropriate communication types
Communication styles for each audience
Complete the following three parts:
Part I: Business Writing Steps
Before you begin writing the messages in Part II, outline the steps you will take in drafting these business communications. This document can take the form of a list, flowchart, or web diagram.
Part II: Portfolio
Pair each audience with one of the three communication formats. Use one message format for each audience. Explain the changes in the retail store operations. The three messages contain potentially negative information. Be sure to address the information presented in the scenario so your audience will perceive it in a positive way.
- Write a business letter
- Write a business memo
- Write an e-mail
- Store managers
- Store employees
- Retail customers and the public
Part III: Reflection
Write a 200- to 300-word reflection and compare and contrast the business writings in this assignment with academic papers you have completed.
Submit the Business Writing Steps, Portfolio, and the Reflection.