SOCI110 Case for Module 7 - Sunflower, Inc.

Daft 7e pp. 305-306.

Instructions

1. Form groups of 4 to 6 students each.
2. Individually, read the case on pages 305-306 in the text; this will take most people less than 10 minutes.
3. Using one discussion sheet write the name of each group member in the list above; return that sheet at the end of class.
4. In your group discuss the questions that follow.

Discussion Questions

2.  What types of control was used by Loretta Williams?  Was this control approach appropriate?  Why or why not?
 

3.  (Synthesis of 1. and 2.)  Loretta Williams sent telexes to the financial and purchasing executives in each of 22 regions of the company outlining the pricing and purchasing policies.  These executives did not implement the new policies.  One reason was that regional executives were used to ____ control, while Williams was attempting to use ____ control.
 

4.  Effective communication is an essential element of successful implementation of a new procedure.

• What information medium would be most appropriate for communicating new procedures on pricing and purchasing to employees?  Why?  (In this case, Williams wanted regional offices to notify her of price and purchasing changes.)
• What information medium would be most appropriate for announcing and providing authority to a new person occupying a new position?  Why?  (In this case, Williams' position as "director of pricing and purchasing" was a new one; she had authority over people she had never met in person.)
• What information medium would be most appropriate for announcing a new employee taking over an existing position?  Why?

5.  What advice would you give Williams about how to use information technology to implement the changes that she is trying to achieve?