Oral or Written Communication: Which Channel Is Better?

Should the following messages be communicated orally or in writing? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.

a. At the request of the marketing manager, Roxanne has collected information about scheduling a promotional meeting for prospec- tive customers at a hotel. How should she deliver her findings?

b. Richard, the information technology vice president, must tell employees about a new company blogging policy. He has two employees in mind who particularly need this information.

c. As soon as possible, you need to learn from Carolyn in Document Imaging whether she can make copies of a set of engineering blueprints. If she cannot, you need her advice on where you can get it done.

d. As a manager in human resources, you must terminate three employees in a company-wide initiative to reduce costs.

e. It wasn't your fault, but an order for printed checks for a longtime customer was mishandled. The checks are not ready, and the cus- tomer is mad.

f. As chairman of the employee benefits committee, you have worked with your committee for two months evaluating several health plan options. You are now ready to convey the recommendations of the committee to management.