The purpose of this case is to determine how to select and effectively use different communication channels: Professional Communication & Employment Preparation Case Study, TUD, Ireland

Purpose:

The purpose of this case is to determine how to select and effectively use different communication channels.

Situation:

A paper mill is experiencing “communication problems.” Upon investigation, you determine that there are three major problems:

• Employees do not feel adequately informed about the direction of the company.
• Employees are not adequately informed about day-to-day changes.
• There are shift-to-shift and department-to-department communication problems.

There are four primary channels used in the mill:

• A monthly employee newsletter
• Bulletin boards located at the time clocks
• Departmental meetings held at the discretion of the manager
• Weekly production reports

Other facts about the mill:

• 800 employees (150 of which are office staff)
• unionized, with four rotating shifts
• 40 departments
• located on a ½ mile stretch of a rive