Group #2 Discussion Topic:
Analyzing a Bad-News Message from Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli to Employees (LO 11.3, LO 11.6)
In 2008, Bob Nardelli announced that Chrysler would lay off one-quarter of its white-collar managers. Read his email—Damon Lavrinc, “Bob Nardelli to Employees: We’re Cutting 25% of Remaining White-Collar Jobs” (October 24, 2008) [Available at www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/bob-nardelli-to-employees-we-want-a-25-cut-of-white-collar-job/ Links to an external site.]— and answer the following questions:
Is the bad news delivered immediately? Do you think it is delivered too directly? Too indirectly? Explain.
Is there a buffer? Is there an attempt to soften the blow? Explain.
How effective is the opening paragraph?
How effectively does the message explain immediate impacts?
Is the tone appropriate?
Conduct a FAIR test of the message.
Overall, what three changes would you suggest to make the bad-news message more effective?