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:

Knights of Labor

An influential labor organization in the late 19th century in the United States that aimed to protect and fight for workers' rights.

Skilled Craftsmen

Workers who have specialized in a particular trade or craft through extensive training and experience.

Industrial Workers

Individuals who are employed in sectors related to manufacturing, construction, and production, often involving manual labor.

American Federation of Labor

A prominent federation of labor unions in the United States, founded in 1886, which aimed to organize workers in skilled trades.