How should Kate address sales reps’ complaints? a) Ignore complaints. b) Get older employees up to speed on how to use Twitter. c) Discuss complaints with her staff. d) Ask Jack to call office-wide meeting. e) Send out stern memo to direct reports. 2) Why are some companies unsure about social networking? a) Fear some employees will use it for job hunting. b) Fear it will reduce employee productivity. c) Fear senior executives will clamp down on managers’ authority. d) Fear of the unknown.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answers:
- c) Discuss complaints with her staff.
- b) Fear it will reduce employee productivity.
Explanation:
1) Addressing Sales Reps’ Complaints:
Kate should choose to discuss complaints with her staff because open communication is key to resolving concerns and maintaining team morale. Ignoring complaints (option a) dismisses valid issues and creates distrust. While helping older employees use Twitter (option b) could be useful, it doesn’t directly address the root of the complaints. Asking Jack to call a meeting (option d) may deflect leadership responsibility, and sending a stern memo (option e) may create fear or resentment rather than encouraging dialogue.
By choosing to discuss complaints with her staff, Kate creates an opportunity to understand the concerns deeply, identify patterns, and collaboratively develop solutions. This approach fosters inclusivity, boosts morale, and shows leadership by example.
2) Companies’ Uncertainty About Social Networking:
The most common reason many companies are unsure about social networking is fear it will reduce employee productivity. While it’s true that tools like Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn offer valuable opportunities for engagement and branding, there’s often a perception that they can become distractions during work hours. Companies may worry that employees will spend more time socializing or browsing non-work-related content, ultimately harming efficiency.
Although other concerns—such as the possibility of employees job hunting (option a) or threats to managerial control (option c)—may exist, the predominant hesitation stems from productivity fears. Fear of the unknown (option d) is vague and less specific than the very real and measurable concern over time management and focus.
In conclusion, addressing staff concerns transparently and understanding productivity impacts of social media are both rooted in open, responsible management. Strong communication and thoughtful policies can help organizations balance innovation with discipline.
