Instructor Resource
Lussier, Management Fundamentals 8e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
Case Notes
Chapter 13: Communication and Information Technology
Brad Smith, CEO at Intui
1. How does the Siemens communication system support upward, downward, and
horizontal communication?
Downward communication typically occurs when a higher-level manager sends a
2. How does the Siemens communication system reflect the implementation of the
interpersonal communication process model?
There are four stages to the interpersonal communication process:
Stage 1: The sender encodes the message and selects the transmission channel.
Instructor Resource
Lussier, Management Fundamentals 8e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
3. How does the Siemens communication system support feedback?
The online communications system allows for feedback from users from blogs and the
4. What types of barriers to effective communication does the Siemens
communication system attempt to eliminate or minimize?
There are nine barriers to effective communication discussed in this chapter: perception,
5. In your opinion, is it a good or bad idea to give employees the ability poll, rate,
and discuss company issues via social media? Does this transparency help or hurt
the company’s culture and reputation?
Hello Barbie, Goodbye Privacy?
1. Do you see any communication barriers that could exist between Barbie and the
user?
Quite a few could exist depending on the user.
Instructor Resource
Lussier, Management Fundamentals 8e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
2. What part of the message-receiving process would apply to the user during this
type of communication process?
Listening and analyzing. The user will need to pay attention to what is being told to them
3. In your opinion, do you think this will improve communication for those who use
the product?
Possibly. It depends on the user and what they discuss with their “Hello Barbie.” If they
Instructor Resource
Lussier, Management Fundamentals 8e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
4. Which of the five typical response styles users will experience with “Hello
Barbie”?
Based on the video and what critics are saying, all can be experienced when using “Hello
5. In what ways can the oral communication skill be applied at school or future
employment?
There are various ways in which oral communication occurs both at school and at work.
6. Would you purchase this toy for someone you know, especially given the
problems associated with hacking and privacy? What benefits or disadvantages
do you find with it?
7. Is this product socially responsible?
Instructor Resource
Lussier, Management Fundamentals 8e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
Social responsibility is the benefit this product would play to the society. The answer will
8. How does “Hello Barbie” demonstrate innovative structure and culture within
Mattel, Inc.?
In order to remain relevant in the competitive toy industry, Mattel knew they needed to
9. Was “Hello Barbie” a programmed decision or a non-programmed decision for
Mattel, Inc.?
Non-programmed decision. Creating this product was non-routine decision for the Barbie
10. Cook considered a You are a Mattel representative—how would you handle the
complaints surrounding this product?