Different communication channels are more and less effective in different circumstances. As noted above, rich communication channels should be used for non$-$routine messages. Non$-$routine messages are complex, novel, ambiguous, or involve a great potential for misunderstanding. For example, if you are telling an employee that they are going to be laid off, you would want to use a rich communication channel. Less rich channels should be used for routine messages, when recipients have a good idea of what to expect from the message and can interpret it easily. If a permanent record of a message is required, it is important to use a written channel of communication.

Feedback is information about your performance that helps you to grow and improve. It can be either positive or negative $-$ people who truly want to develop need and appreciate knowing both what they are doing right and what they should be doing differently. Feedback needs to be specific to be helpful, and it should be given using a rich communication channel.

Which of the following is NOT a factor in channel richness?

The channel's ability to handle rapid, two$-$way feedback

Whether the channel has a personal focus

The loudness of the communication channel

The number of cues the communication channel contains

Feedback should be to be helpful, and it should be delivered using a communication channel.

Channel richness is$,$ in part, determined by the ability to establish a personal focus for the communication. This means that a Facebook status update will be less rich than $,$ because:

You cannot respond immediately to what the person is saying

You do not know that the person's message is intended for you personally

You are not getting as many types of information