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ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Communicating in business

A manager wants to give a clear instruction on a complex new procedure, create a permanent record, and ensure all 40 staff receive identical wording. Which approach is most appropriate?

Sending a formal written memo or email to all staff is most appropriate. It ensures every employee receives identical wording, creates a permanent record, and suits a complex procedure, whereas informal relaying, rumour or unrecorded talks risk distortion and leave no evidence of what was said.

  1. AMention it to team leaders informally and let them relay it
  2. BSend a formal written memo or email to all staffCorrect
  3. CRely on the grapevine to spread the news quickly
  4. DHold individual unrecorded conversations with each employee

Explanation

A formal written memo ensures consistency, provides a permanent record and reaches everyone with identical wording. Relaying through team leaders or the grapevine risks distortion, and unrecorded conversations lack a record and consistency.

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