A Fertilizer Company with Salespeople in Remote Operations Recently Introduced

question 61

Essay

A fertilizer company with salespeople in remote operations recently introduced e-mail throughout the company. Previously, salespeople received most information through formal communication channels and the annual sales meeting. Many salespeople complained that they were kept in the dark about company activities. Now, with the e-mail system in place, salespeople receive most of their information informally through this network. None of them complain about isolation from company information. Furthermore, senior executives had to intervene recently to stop incorrect rumours that the fertilizer company might be acquired by a larger chemical company. Using your knowledge of organizational grapevines, explain what might have happened in this company when salespeople were connected to an e-mail network.

---

Definitions:

Conflict Trigger

An event, situation, or statement that can incite disagreements or disputes among individuals.

Lose/Lose Approach

A conflict resolution scenario where all parties involved end up being worse off than before the conflict.

Clarifying Perceptions

Refers to the process of ensuring understanding and interpretations are clear and accurate between individuals or groups.

Root Causes

The fundamental reasons or underlying issues that give rise to a problem or condition.