Persuading Employees that a Security Camera Is Necessary (Persuasive Message)

You are a department head at a large company. To save money, your company orders office supplies in bulk. Each department then gets its allotment of supplies, which are kept in a supply room for employees to access when needed. The room is locked at night, and only you and the security guards have the key. Large amounts of office supplies have been disappearing from your department's supply room for several months. It started with small items, such as pens, tape, and sticky notes. Now, staplers, calculators, and expensive poster and certificate frames are missing. You have no idea who is responsible, but the thefts appear to be happening during regular business hours.

The total loss from the thefts is now more than $1,000. You tried having employees sign materials out on the honor system, but the thefts continued. Security recommends a hidden camera for the room, but the idea of "spying" on employees troubles you. You have agreed to a compromise: a security camera placed in plain view. You believe the thefts are the work of one person and that the other 90 employees in your department are innocent. Therefore, the camera may offend people and harm employee morale. Morale already has been down because the company has experienced profit losses the past two quarters due to increased competition. Rumors are spreading that some jobs will be transferred overseas and layoffs are imminent, though you have no solid information on management's plans.

Your employees-many of whom have been with the company for more than 10 years-are apprehensive about their future with the company. However, the alternative is to allow the increasingly costly thefts to continue. You also want to avoid having to search employees and their belongings, which according to security is the next step if the camera fails to discourage the thief. Write a memo to the employees in your department explaining the need for the camera. Hints: Consider the needs and concerns of your audience.

Avoid making your readers feel angry, defensive, anxious, or frightened. Remember that you viewpoint sometimes means avoiding the word "you," especially in negative contexts. Present the situation as a problem that you and your audience have a mutual interest in solving. When possible, use reader benefits and positive emphasis without being misleading about negatives.