$1.$ Drafting Workplace Messages Begins With Research

Before beginning to compose a successful business message, you need to collect necessary information by conducting informal or formal research. Often the information you collect during the research process helps shape your message.

Which questions should you ask yourself in order to avoid frustration and inaccurate messages? Check all that apply.

What action should the receiver take?

What does the receiver need to know about this topic?

Where should I begin my research?

What will happen if I don$$t conduct research?

How is the receiver to take action?

Long reports and complex business problems often require formal research methods.

Consider the following scenario and identify which formal research method would be appropriate.

Demarco has been asked to prepare a presentation documenting customer reactions to his company$$s recently released hand$-$held GPS device. He needs to know what customers think.

Conduct primary research for firsthand information.

Access traditional sources and electronic sources.

Conduct a scientific experiment.

Routine tasks often require informal research methods.

Identify which informal research technique would be most appropriate for each situation.

You receive a voice mail from your supervisor asking you to compile a list of talking points for an upcoming interview on the Morning News Show. The best informal information$-$gathering technique to find out the details of what your boss expects would be to $.$

Determine which research method is being used in the following scenario.

You are asked to compose a job description for the position of director of sales for SaveWell. This is a position you once held, so you are familiar with the requirements and qualifications. Before beginning to write, you look in the files for past descriptions and check with your supervisor about details to include.

Which type of research are you conducting?

Informal research

Formal research

Read the following scenario, and determine which is the best research approach.

You need to compose an e$-$mail informing coworkers of an upcoming bowling party.

Which is the best research approach?

Informal. Look at past flyers for this event, ask coworkers what kind of food they would like to have at the party, and ask which bowling alley they prefer.

Formal. Conduct a large$-$scale written survey asking all of your coworkers if they want to participate in external activities.

Formal. Go to the local library and use an online research database to determine the rules and history of bowling.