Given below is an example of a poorly composed memorandum. Analyze it with respect to traits of technical writing and Seven Cs of effective communication. Identify the traits and explain how they are absent in the sample. For example, if you think its language is not concise, give reason for your answer.

interoffice memorandum

to: Department Directors

from: County Manager

subject: Mismanagement/Corruption

date: November 25, 1997

During our staff meeting of November 5, 1997, I had an opportunity to discuss

my personal and professional feelings and thoughts regarding recent events that

surround our government. More specifically, the unpleasant experiences we

have had as of late with continuing revelations of mismanagement, political

patronage and worse yet, corruption in significant parts of our organization. In

the past few weeks, subsequent to extensive media coverage on the

pavement/repair contracts at the Water and Sewer Department, I have been

approached by our Mayor and Commissioners, members of the media and

residents of this community expressing their outrage and dismay at County

government. All, without exception, told me (as I expressed to you during this

meeting) that they are fed up with the ongoing reports on corruption. Frankly

speaking, I too am fed up not only with these revelations but more so with our

"business as usual" attitude, our perceived inability to act and the lack of

professional and personal concern shown throughout the years for these issues.

While it is evidently clear that events at these departments Seaport, Planning,

Development and Regulation and WASD, are not the makings of present

management as some would like us to believe, it is also evident that those who

throughout the years had oversight responsibilities for these areas failed to act.

They are now shedding their responsibility by indulging in hollow rhetoric or

pointing the finger in an opposite direction. Let's not fall in this trap. Our job as

professional public administrators is to stay above this fray and stay the course

by continuing to work to work through these difficult times in a professional

manner.

That is what our community and out elected officials expect of us. That is what

we must expect of ourselves and what I expect of you. We must say enough.

As we discussed, we are all on notice. I expect each of you (and your department

management teams) to have a zero tolerance attitude towards any factual

revelation of mismanagement, malfeasances, and public corruption.

I will hold departmental management accountable for these instances. In return,

you must hold your managers and employees accountable as well. Furthermore,

you have my strongest support when taking appropriate actions.

I want to take this opportunity and clarify a major misconception some of us

have. We must be cognizant that when it happens at Water and Sewer, Planning

Development and Regulation or the Seaport, it is not their problem, but ours. All

of us are touched and stained by these unacceptable actions. As I stated, most of

the cases I know may not directly be our doing, but we are here now; and it is up

to us to make it right, and make it right immediately. At the same time we must

not act hastily and capriciously for political expediency; we must be thorough,

fair and deliberate in our actions irrespective of the unwarranted criticism to be

expected from those with different agendas.

As department directors I asked you to look into your own organizations ant to

take immediate corrective action if warranted. I expect directors to be aggressive

when addressing these issues and ask that you enlist the support of the County

Attorneys Office during these deliberations.

In closing, this community must be assured that we are all committed to the

principles of good and responsive government, an open government. As you

know I have worked and will continue to work towards this end. I will continue

to support, cooperate and bring in outside agencies to help my effort in

addressing these issues. It is our responsibility, it is our job. I have confidence

we can do it and do it well. We will succeed and will restore the credibility of

this government once again.

Finally, please provide a copy of this memorandum to all your employees.

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