Chapter 8, Problem 1LOC

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The writing process for routine messages.

Introduction:

Routine messages are intended as legal or financial documentation for transactions or resource requests. Routine messages in business communication serve to document the “who, what, where, why, and how” of daily operations. Its writing process involves planning, writing and completing.

Answer to Problem 1LOC

Solution:

B) Keep the planning stage brief.

Explanation of Solution

1. As there is a clear planning process for routine messages, ‘skipping the planning stage’ is unwise. Therefore, answer a is incorrect.
2. The planning can be kept brief as the writer will already have a basic idea as to how the message should be written. The correct answer is B.
3. The first step of the writing process for routine messages is analyzing the situation. This suggests that one should not begin by gathering information alone. Instead, this is the second part of the planning process. Therefore, answer c is incorrect.
4. The first step of the writing process for routine messages is analyzing the situation. This suggests that one should not begin by choosing a channel and medium. This is the third part of the planning process. Therefore, answer d is incorrect.