Author Question: Discuss the reasons why a writer should, or should not; include an apology when using the direct ... (Read 37 times)

awywial · **on:** Jun 23, 2018

Discuss the reasons why a writer should, or should not; include an apology when using the direct format for a negative news message.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

When closing a negative message that has been developed in a direct format, the close of the message should remind the reader why they should continue to do business with your firm in the future.

Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

zenzy · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: Should you apologize when delivering bad news? The answer isn't quite as simple as one might think, partly because the notion of apology is hard to pin down. To some people, it simply means an expression of sympathy that something negative has happened to another person. At the other extreme, it means admitting fault and taking responsibility for specific compensations or corrections to atone for the mistake. Some experts contend that a company should never apologize, even when it knows it has made a mistake, as the apology might be taken as a confession of guilt that could be used against the company in a lawsuit. However, several states have laws that specifically prevent expressions of sympathy from being used as evidence of legal liability. The best general advice in the event of a mistake or accident is to immediately and sincerely express sympathy and offer help, if appropriate, without admitting guilt; then seek the advice of your company's lawyers before elaborating. If you do apologize, make it a real apology. Don't say I'm sorry if anyone was offended by what you didthis statement implies that you're not sorry at all and that it's the other party's fault for being offended. For example, when Target's information systems were infiltrated in a hacking attack that exposed the personal data of tens of millions of customers, CEO Gregg Steinhafel's apology to customers included the statement, I know this breach has had a real impact on you, creating a great deal of confusion and frustration. Note that he did not say if this breach caused you any confusion or frustration. Recognize that you can express sympathy with someone's plight without suggesting that you are to blame. For example, if a business customer damaged a product through misuse and suffered a financial loss as a result of not being able to use the product, you can say something along the lines of I'm sorry to hear of your difficulties. This demonstrates sensitivity without accepting blame.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: FALSE
Explanation: After you've explained the negative news, close the message in a manner that respects the impact the negative news is likely to have on the recipient. If appropriate, consider offering your readers an alternative solution if you can and if doing so is a good use of your time. Look for opportunities to include positive statements, but avoid creating false hopes or writing in a way that seems to suggest that something negative didn't just happen to the recipient.