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.

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Definitions:

Developmental Periods

Phases in the life cycle characterized by specific developmental tasks, milestones, or changes.

Adolescence

The transitional stage of development from childhood to adulthood, characterized by physical, psychological, and social changes.

Infancy

The period in human development extending from birth to 12 months old, characterized by rapid physical and cognitive growth.

Subconscious Inner Forces

Mental processes and emotions not fully aware to the conscious mind that influence behavior and thoughts.