Joseph Barnes Activity 1; Determining Appropriate Sequence of Ideas: Direct or Indirect Identify whether each of the following messages should be written directly or indirectly based on the receiver’s likely reaction to the message. Explain your reasoning. Message Sequence Reasoning a. A message refusing an office complex tenant’s request for a 30- day lease extension. Indirect So that both parties are on the same page and you settle it right then and there. Nip it in the butt as it would not be a positive situation b. A message from a land developer informing building contractors that completion of utilities to a new subdivision will be delayed. Indirect So that the contractors can take the necessary steps from here on out as to what they need to get done on their end. c. A message from an appliance manufacturer authorizing the replacement of a glass cook top that was broken in transit to the customer. Direct Must get this taken care of right away as the customer comes first. Major priority as it is your responsibility to make sure things like this do not happen. d. A message from a customer service manager saying “no” to a customer’s third request for a refund that was previously denied. Indirect It simply is not going to happen, been three times now. Must shut the request down. e. A message from a company president to reject a contract proposal offered by an international business partner whose cultural style is direct and forthright. Indirect Rejections, for the most part call for an indirect message as it will not be received positively f. A message refusing an employee’s request that the human resources manager “fudge” to a lender about the employee’s reported income to help him qualify for a home loan. Indirect Shutting down a request will not be taken with a smile g. A message from a manager apologizing to an employee for unintentional gender biased language. Direct Admitting fault and trying to focus on the positive from here on out h. A message extending appreciation for the outstanding work of a consulting firm that spearheaded your successful effort to gain Sarbanes Oxley compliance.