Case $13\mathrm{.}1$:$$The Road to Hell

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"The Road to Hell" has received much acclaim as a story that provides substantial learning opportunities in examining the subtle, almost intangible dynamics of interpersonal communication between two individuals and the disastrous results that problems in interpersonal communication can produce. Upon a first reading, students are typically amazed at the outcome and ask, "What went wrong?" Answering these questions should be the objective of class discussion.

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To summarize the case:$$ John Baker, chief engineer of the Caribbean Bauxite Company Ltd$.$ in Barracania $($in the West Indies$)$ is preparing to leave his post to accept a promotion in Canada. He has selected a native Barracanian, Matthew Rennalls, as his successor. As one of the brightest engineers on the staff, Rennalls has exceptional technical skills. He is enthusiastic and brings several other attributes to the job $($along with political ties as his father is the country's minister of finance and economic planning$).$ However, Baker worries about Rennalls' racial consciousness. He dislikes any sign of racial condescension shown by the European members of the staff and two European expatriates have complained to Baker about Rennalls' allegedly overbearing, sometimes cynical attitude.$$

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Baker and Rennalls are friends. They socialize together and Baker gets along with Rennalls better than the other European employees. However, Baker recalls his successor's insensitivity throughout the two years of their friendship; he has sensed that an invisible barrier exists between them, created by what Baker believes is Rennalls' suppressed resentment of Europeans.

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Shortly before he leaves, Baker calls Rennalls into his office to attempt to break down the barrier. Rennalls, as before, denies that he cannot get along with the Europeans on staff and assures Baker that he will correct this wrong impression. Baker tries another tack and praises Rennalls, along with Barracanians in general, for their ability to learn the ways of commerce in such a short time $(50$ years$),$ compared to the European and American experience of $200-300$ years. Rennalls shows no overt displeasure over Baker's remarks and, after several minutes of cheerful conversation, leaves the office.

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The next morning, Rennalls has submitted his resignation, enraged over Baker's comment that Rennalls has perceived as a racial slur. In the memo, Rennalls expresses his true $($and hostile$)$ opinion of Europeans. Baker has lost his successor and the company one of its best employees.

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Identify two barriers to communication present in the situation?