$"$I$\text{'}$m handling it$,$ Alex," Michael said. "Don't worry about it$.$ Just keep making new salad dressings so that we can stay competitive."

"Well, Michael, just answer what the FDA is asking for."

"Just to sterilize some of our equipment, but it shouldn't be too bad."

"Michael, it's more than that," Alex responded. "The FDA contacted me directly and asked me to meet with them in three days to discuss our plans to meet the FDA requirements and standards. We will be fined for not addressing issues found in prior inspections. I want to see the past inspection reports so I can better understand the scope of the problem."

"Listen, Alex," Michael said. "I just completed a cost$-$benefit analysis of fixing all the problems identified by the FDA and found the costs outweighed the benefits. We're better off paying whatever fines they impose and move on$."$

"Michael, I don't care about cost$-$benefit analysis. I care about my reputation and that of the company. Bring me all the inspection reports tomorrow."

The three of them met the following day. As Alex reviewed the past inspection reports, he realized that he had relied on Michael too much and his assurances that all was well with the FDA. In fact, the FDA had repeatedly noted that more sterilization of the equipment was needed and that storage of the products and ingredients needed additional care. Alex began to wonder whether Michael should stay on with the company. He also was concerned about the fact that Gregory had been largely silent during the discussions. He wondered whether Gregory was putting profits ahead of safety and the reputation of the company.

$2-2$: Qu $04$ What is your most powerful and persuasive...

What is your most powerful and persuasive response to the reasons and rationalizations you need to address? To whom should the argument be made? When and in what context?