1Bad News Writing sensitive or negative messages .docx

1
Bad News
thought. You must decide how direct or indirect your
message should be and then choose words that maintain a
professional relationship despite the problems
and attitudes very early when reading. At the same time,
bad news is easier to accept when the reasons behind it are
explained first
2
Bad News
y is often
more effective than presenting it directly, especially if the
stakes are high
keep in mind that many cultures are much less direct in
their communications than Americans
3

Make your
decision clear
Help your
audience accept
the message
Maintain a
goodwill
relationship
Prevent further
unnecessary
discussion
Preserve the
company’s image
Protect the
company against
lawsuits
4
Goals
5

Refusing
eive a request to which you must give a
negative reply, you may need to write a refusal message
containing bad news—something your reader does not
want to receive
the reader
6
7
Context
("buffer")
Explanation Bad News
Goodwill
Close
Refusing
Context
context for the subject and establish a professional tone
8

Context
9
Neutral
Relevant
Supportive
Interesting
Short
What is the goal of a buffer statement
in a bad-news message?
a. To establish or strengthen the
reader-writer relationship
b. To apologize for the bad news
c. To summarize the bad news
d. To hint at the bad news
Context
10
Neutral

Relevant
Supportive
Interesting
Short
What is the goal of a buffer statement
in a bad-news message?
a. To establish or strengthen the
reader-writer relationship
b. To apologize for the bad news
c. To summarize the bad news
d. To hint at the bad news
Explanation
to the refusal. Give the negative message simply, based on
the facts. Do not belabor the bad news or provide an
inappropriate apology
11
Explanation
12

Stress reasons that benefit others
State reasons using positive language
Explain the rationale for the “company policy”
Present strongest reasons first
Bad News
news into something positive. Your goal should be to
establish for the reader that you have been reasonable
given the circumstances. You need to organize the
explanation carefully and logically
13
Bad News
14
Present bad news as a logical outcome
State the bad news in positive and impersonal language
Do not apologize unless you’re at fault
Make the refusal definite

Goodwill Close
relationship through goodwill or helpful information
15
Goodwill Close
16
• Apologizing
• Anticipating Problems
• Inviting Needless Communication
• Repeating the Bad News
• Using a Cliché
• Revealing a Doubt
• Sounding Selfish
Approaches to Avoid
• Offering Best Wishes
• Suggesting a Counterproposal
• Directing to Other Sources

• Referring to Sales Promotions
Techniques to Use
Tips for Success
appreciation for the reader's time, effort, and interest.
Thoroughly detail the reasons for the refusal with the goal
of convincing the reader that the conclusion is reasonable.
State the negative message concisely, clearly, and as
positively as possible. Close by working to reestablish
goodwill and avoid rehashing the bad news
17
Tips for Success
pening with bad news can affect
your reader negatively. The ideal refusal says "no" in such a
way that you avoid antagonizing your reader while
maintaining goodwill. You must convince your reader that
the reasons for refusing are logical or understandable
before you present the bad news
18
Refusing
Here's an example of a poorly structured refusal letter:

Dear Ms. Espinoza:
Your application for the position of dental hygienist is
rejected. We found someone more qualified than you.
Good luck,
19
Refusing
(To quote Thomas Hobbes) this letter is nasty, brutish, and
short. The writer has not even tried to consider how the
recipient feels. The pattern of the letter is:
1. Bad news
2. Curt explanation
3. Kiss-off close
20
21
Complaining
22

be angry. If your letter ref lects your annoyance and anger,
you can come across as petty and irrational
—the ones taken seriously—do
not sound complaining
Complaining
23
Concise
Authoritative
Factual
Constructive
Friendly
Concise
24
Concise letters are understood quickly
People in complaint departments receive many letters. The
only letters that are fully read are the most concise, clear, and
compact letters. Letters that ramble on or are vague will not
be read fully. It's simple—to get action, your letter must be
read. To be read, your letter must be concise. A concise
complaint must make its main point in less than five seconds.

The letter may subsequently take more time to explain the
situation, but the main point must be understood quickly
Concise
25
If the situation is complex with a lot of history, it's a good
idea to keep the letter short and concise, and then append or
attach the details, in whatever format is appropriate
(photocopies, written notes, explanation, etc). This allows
the reader to understand the main point without having to
read twenty pages of history and detail
Do not bury your main points in a long letter. Make your
main points in a short letter, and attach the details
Authoritative
26
Authoritative letters have credibility
An authoritative letter is especially important for serious
complaints or one with significant financial implications
To make a letter authoritative, the writing must be both firm
and clear, the grammar and spelling perfect, and the
presentation of the letter professional
You want to establish that you can be trusted and believed,
you know your facts, and you have a point

Factual
27
Factual letters help the reader immediately see the relevant
details, dates, requirements, etc., and to justify action to
resolve the complaint
You want your complaint resolved. That means the
organization must spend money. And that requires
accountability and justification for the expense
Put another way, without sufficient justification, the problem
can't be resolved
Always include relevant dates, names, and details. Make sure
to include all the necessary facts that justify your complaint
But be concise. Just the key facts!
Constructive
28
Constructive letters with positive statements suggest
positive actions and encourage quicker decisions
State the facts and then suggest what needs to be done
Say that you'd like to find a way forward, rather than terminate
the
relationship

If you tell them you're taking your business elsewhere and that
you
will never use them again, there's less incentive to help you
Most companies appreciate customers who stay loyal and will
work
through difficulties, rather than jump ship when there's a
problem
You want your complaint to be seen as an opportunity to
improve
things
Friendly
29
Friendly letters that have a considerate, cooperative, and
complimentary tone, encourage the reader to respond positively
Not surprisingly, threatening people does not produce good
results
A friendly approach encourages the reader to reciprocate. He or
she
will want to build the relationship and keep you as a loyal
customer
People like helping nice people. People do not like helping
angry
people who attack them
This is the most important rule of all when complaining. Be

kind to
people and they will be kind to you
Complaining
30
Identify the problem or faulty item(s) and include
relevant information such as invoice numbers, part
names, and dates, as well as a copy of the receipt,
bill, or contract
Explain logically, clearly, and specifically what went
wrong—especially for a problem with a service.
(Avoid speculating about why you think a problem
occurred)
State what you expect the reader to do to solve the
problem to your satisfaction
Complaining
31
desire, action. This is the fundamental process of
persuasion
t letters are persuasive letters
you want

Tips for Success
32
not be the one who was responsible for the problem
er should assume that the recipient will
conscientiously correct the problem
first check the Web site or call the main office so that you
can address your letter to the appropriate person or
department (often Customer Service, Consumer Affairs,
etc.)
charge of sales or service. For very small businesses, write
directly to the owner
Instructions:
To complete midterm #1, you will write a standard long format
essay (at least 1000 words, 5-6, pages, 12 point Times New
Roman font, double-check) to answer the following prompt:
· Compare and contrast the struggles of women and African-
Americans to achieve their constitutional rights and equality
from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day.
Your essay will need to take into consideration the following
documents:
Document #1:
Document #1: Norma McCorvey, formally known as "Jane Roe",

with attorney Gloria Allred, right, in front of the U.S. Supreme
Court in Washington, D.C (1989)
Document #2:
"The removal of all forms of the subjection of women is the
purpose to which the National Women's Party is dedicated...
The laws of various States at present hold her in that class.
They deny her a control of her children equal to the father’s;
they deny her, if married, the right to her own earnings; they
punish her for offenses for which men go unpunished; they
exclude her from public office and from public institutions to
the support of which her taxes contribute. These laws are not
the creation of this age, but the fact that they are still tolerated
on our statute books and that in some States their removal is
vigorously resisted shows the hold of old traditions-upon us.
Since the passage of the Suffrage Amendment the incongruity of
these laws, dating back many centuries, has become more than
ever marked...
An amendment to the Federal Constitution...if adopted, would
remove them at one stroke"
Document #2: Elsie Hill, member of the National Women’s
Party, "Shall Women be Treated Equal Before the Law?" (1922)
Document #3:
In the last couple of years, a noisy movement has sprung up
agitating for “women’s rights.” Suddenly, everywhere we are
afflicted with aggressive females on television talk shows
yapping about how mistreated American women are, suggesting
that marriage has put us in some kind of “slavery,” that
housework is menial and degrading, and—perish the thought—
that women are discriminated against…
It’s time to set the record straight. The claim that American
women are downtrodden and unfairly treated is the fraud of the
century. The truth is that American women never had it so good.
Why should we lower ourselves to “equal rights” when we
already have the status of special privilege?
This Amendment will absolutely and positively make women
subject to the draft….Another bad effect of the Equal Rights

Amendment is that it will abolish a woman’s right to child
support and alimony…
The law now requires a husband to support his wife as best as
his financial situation permits, but a wife is not required to
support her husband. A husband cannot demand that his wife go
to work to help pay for family expenses. He has the duty of
financial support under our laws and customs. Why should we
abandon these mandatory wife-support and child-support laws
so that a wife would have an “equal” obligation to take a job?...
Many women are under the mistaken impression that “women’s
lib” means more job employment opportunities for women,
equal pay for equal work, appointments of women to high
positions, admitting more women to medical schools, and other
desirable objectives which all women favor. We support these
purposes as well as any necessary legislation which would bring
them about.
But all this is only a sweet syrup which covers the deadly
poison masquerading as “women’s liberation.” The women’s
libbers are radicals who are waging a total assault on the
family, on marriage, and on children.
Document #3: Phyllis Schlafly’s “The Fraud of the Equal Rights
Amendment” (1972)
Document #4
Document #4:Women’s Suffrage Procession (1913)
Document #5
Document #5: A Southern Chain Gang (1903)
Document #6
Document #6: Slogan for the March on Washington (1963)
Document #7
“We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional
and God given rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are
moving with jetlike speed toward gaining political
independence, but we still creep at horse and buggy pace toward

gaining a cup of coffee at a lunch counter. Perhaps it is easy for
those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to
say, "Wait." But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your
mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers
at whim; when you have seen hate filled policemen curse, kick
and even kill your black brothers and sisters; when you see the
vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering
in an airtight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent
society...
Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The
yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself, and that is
what has happened to the American Negro...”
Document #7: Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from a
Birmingham Jail (1963)
Document #8:
Document #8: Residential Map of Detroit (1939)
Relevant Key Terms to Consider:
· 14th Amendment
· 15th Amendment
· 19th Amendment
· Alice Paul
· Anti-Suffragists
· Betty Friedan
· Black Codes
· Booker T. Washington
· Brown v Board of Education
· Casey v. Planned Parenthood
· Convict Leasing
· Deindustrialization
· Detroit Riot 1967
· Equal Rights Amendment
· Federal Housing Administration
· Grandfather Clause
· Jim Crow
· Literacy Test

· Los Angeles Riot 1992
· Marcus Garvey
· National American Women Suffrage Association
· National Organization of Women
· Nation Women’s Party
· Phyllis Schlafly
· Poll Tax
· Redlining
· Roe v. Wade
· Sharecropping
· Southern Veto
· Sit-in Movements
· The Great Migration
· Tulsa Riot
· Urban Renewal
· War on Drugs
· White Flight
· Women’s March
· W.E.B. Dubois
· Watts Riot 1965
Your grade (200 points) for this assignment will be based on the
following criteria:
· Thesis: Present a thesis that makes a historically defensible
claim and response to all parts of the question. Your thesis must
consist of one or more sentences located in the introduction.
· Argument Development: Develop and support a cohesive
argument that recognizes and accounts for the historical
complexity by explicitly illustrating relationships among
historical evidence such as contradictions, corroboration, and/or
qualification.
· Use of Documents: Utilize the content of at least six
documents to support the stated thesis or a relevant argument.
For every document below the minimum six document quota, 30
points will be deducted from your total score.
· Sourcing the documents: Explaining the significance of the
author's point of view, author's purpose, historical context,

and/or audience for at least six documents.
· Contextualization: Situate the argument by explaining the
broader historical events, developments, or processes
immediately relevant to the question.
· Evidence Beyond the Documents: Provide examples or
additional evidence (key terms/concepts from the reading and
class lectures) beyond those found in the documents to support
your argument.
[Double Check Your Submission] double-check your submission
to make sure it meets all of the criteria for the assignment.
· [Proofread] Please proofread your essay utilizes at least six
documents to answer the essay prompt in a clear, organized,
detailed, and cohesive essay format (short essay response
includes a short introduction including a thesis statement, body
paragraphs with supporting evidence, and conclusion statement)
· [At least 1000 words] Your submission must be at least 1000
words and include specific details, key terms, and contents from
class readings and lectures. Any submission with fewer than
1000 words will automatically receive a zero
· [Include citations of at least six documents] When quoting or
citing from the document, a simple in writing MLA citation
(source #) at the end of the sentence is sufficient. Any essay
that does not include a citation of assigned documents and
discuss relevant information/content beyond the documents and
written in a vague and broad manner will not receive partial
credit
Midterm 2
In the American history, women and African-Americans never
stop fighting for freedom and equality. Because of the gender
and race that not determined by them, they forced to live under
discrimination, neglect, and even persecution for African-

Americans. Women and African-Americans used the power of
solidarity and politics to fight for their constitutional rights and
the inequality of the education, jobs, and legal identity although
they have counter ideas within the group. However, the African-
Americans experienced more brutal and bloody treatment. The
wars also provided opportunity for both women and African-
Americans to make new progress.
Women and African-Americans experienced the inequality of
constitutional rights, both of them united their companions
together to fight for their rights. After American revolution,
women lose the right to vote. In the same time, women did not
have the chance to pursuit higher education, the income by
working and the legal identity as men. In 1848, Carrie Chapman
lead the National Women Suffrage Association to convince state
by state and city by city to give women the right to vote. But
women were thought emotional and incapable so it did not
work. In 1913, Alice Paul formed National Women’s party,
from Elsie Hill ‘s quote in document #2, this party indicates
“the removal of all forms of the subjection of women”
(Document #2). Because Alice Paul grew in Quaker family that
believes in women’s equality and participation, and also she
was inspired by England Women Suffrage when she studied in
England, she decided to back American and use the same
militant strategies that she saw in England. The progressive
women focused on Washington DC to put pressure on congress
in order to force the national government pass the law of land
that women have the right to vote. In 1913, as the picture of
document #4 shows, National Women’s Party conduct the
largest women protest in Washington DC. They have the parade
route, silent play, banners, shows and costumes to send the
message that it is a positive thing to give women the right to
vote because women are capable and they deserve the liberty
and equality. About 80,000 women participants join in front of
the constitutional hall. The protest got the public attention
successfully. Until the 1920, 19th Amendment finally give

women the right to vote. But it is only the beginning for women
to pursuit the equality.
Although the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendment were passed to
free the African-Americans and give them right to vote and live
equality, they still lived with inequality and discrimination. The
13th Amendment abandon the slavery but except the punishment
for crime. The southerns used convict leasing to put African-
American in jail and rehire them as cheap labor to work for the
railroad company and agriculture. So southern landowners
created sharecropping that is a system of labor based on debt.
African-Americans grow and pick cottons to pay the debt of
land, expenses of food to the southern landowners. But the bank
system did not give the loan to African-Americans on time so
they can’t start without buying the seeds and tools. The late
start due to the bank system and the inflated cost, they were
easily failed to pay the debt that was legally bound with
contract. White people in south also created the unequal law as
vagrancy, pig law to criminalize African-American. In 1880s,
twenty percent of African-American died in the jail. They were
trapped without calling slavery. Moreover, Under the
discrimination of segregation and Jim Crow, the 14th
Amendment can’t protect African-American. In the case of
Plessy vs. Ferguson in 1896, the supreme court said that the
congress has no power to outlaw racial discrimination by
individual or organization so the segregation became the land of
law. Lastly, the 15th Amendment did not give African-American
the right to vote in reality. The voter suppression through
violence, poll tax and complex literacy test in 1875 and the
Grandfather Law in 1890s decreased 90 percent of African-
American vote.
Different with the struggle of Women, the government barely
supported and protected African-Americans so they not only
experienced inequality, they were also be terrorized and killed
in a brutal way. During 1889-1932, about 3,7050 people were

lynched the most of them are African-American. Southerns
skipped all the testification and trails to lynch the African-
Americans who were accused rape white women. Additionally,
Thomas Moss opened a black grocery store with his friends
successfully, so the white owner was angry. He lynched Thomas
Moss and his friends. White people not only criminalize
African-American, they also reinforce white supremacy to
prevent the success of African-American. They attracted people
come to south by lynching African-American. African-
Americans sacrificed their life in the lynching and riots to bear
the cruel treatment and fight for civil rights.
War was the crucial chance and the turning point for Women
and African-American to get equality of jobs, education and
civil rights. During the World War II, 6 millions women reenter
the workplace. They even became nurses, soldiers, and trunk
drivers to serve in military. After the World War II, more and
more men get education so they shift from blue-collar to white-
collar. The gap of workplaces gave women chance to fulfil. And
also the women were settled down to have children by the
encouragement from government. More and more women had a
job in manufacturing and school. Women’s self-awareness was
growing due to the progress that they already made. In the
supreme court case of Roe VS. Wade that shows in the picture
of Norma McCorvey and attorney Gloria Allred from Document
#1, Roe can’t have abortion in Texas because women only can
abort whether was raped or endangers. The success of the
establishment of trimester framework of abortion gave women
the right to control reproduction and childbearing that
represents the right to privacy and reinforce the 14th
Amendment of equal protection. The war created opportunities,
stimulated economics and promoted the progress of the
women’s fighting.
During World War I, about 37,0000 African-Americans join the
military and fight for democracy as segregated army. They

served bravely and were viewed as liberator and allies in
Europe. They also attended in World War II to fight against
Nazi for racism. The wars empowered African-Americans to
fight democracy and racism also for themselves. Moreover, the
wars provide the opportunity for African-Americans to leave
south. During 1914-1970, about 7 millions African-Americans
migrate outside south since the start of WWI. To against the
segregation and unfair treatment from government, more than a
quarter of a million of people participate the protest in
Washington DC. They wanted to put pressure on congress to
pass the civil rights bill that stop the segregation and inequality
of the access to job as the Slogan that shows from the document
#6. Different groups of young active people, older folks who
believe in the legal strategy and some people between all
showed up for TheMarch on Washington in August 28, 1963.
The March on Washington represents the apex of civil rights
movement that fight for the “constitutional and God given
rights” that “waited for more than 340 years” as Martin Luther
King wrote (document #7). They gathered together to fight for
the equal access of business, jobs, educations, housing and
freedom.
Both of the women and African-Americans, there are counter
argument and ideology within the groups. For instance, the
biggest opposed voice from Anti-Suffragists is the white women
who is rich and privileged. In 1911, Josephine Dodge establish
the National Association Opposed to Women Suffrage and
spread the idea that it is dangerous to give women the right to
vote is dangerous through the public campaign. The pamphlet
and postcards show that women don’t want the right to vote;
they are too busy to have the time to vote; and they don’t have
the capacity to vote. Because Anti-Suffragists had the rising of
momentum, the National American Women Suffrage
Association lose the support. Another pair of counter argument
is between Betty Friedan and Phyllis Schlafly. Betty Friedan is
an educated and talented women. She is a good writer but she
chose to settle sown as the government and cultural told. But

she felt unsatisfied so she conducted surveys and found that she
was not the only one. In 1963, she published her work of
Feminine Mystique to argue that society has inequality which
prevent women feel fulfillment. She led social movement and
created NOW to advocate legislation for laws to ensure equal
right and opportunity for women as the privilege that men had.
So they revised ERA and try to pressure congress to pass it. On
the contrary, Phillis Schlaflly disagree with Betty Friedan
strongly. She believes that “women’s libbers are radicals who
are waging a total assault on the family, on marriage, and on
children” (Document #3). All the social movements were
unpatriotic because they don’t accept the traditional American
cultural and gender roles. She advocates the true purpose of life
for women is caring children. ERA will take the privilege that
women had before and eliminate the sex distance. Because she
shifted the ERA to a gender issue and moral issue, the ERA
became the national debate in 1972-1982. Phillis Schlaflly won
the debate so ERA did not pass. The counter argument became
the setback for women fighting to equality and freedom.
There are different ideologies between Booker T Washington,
WED Bios and Philip Randolph. Booker T Washington is the
most influential leader for African-Americans in the late 1900s.
He opened the biggest university in Alabama to teach the
African-Americans skills trade that can support them live in
new industrialize society. He was invited to the White House
and have dinner with president. It is a sign of respect. For his
reputation in front of the whites, he secretly hire people to do
the things that oppose whites. He believes that African-
Americans should be responsible to everything, hard work, get
education and live in moral life. These good qualities will
earned respect and equality from whites so they can get the
freedom. However, W.E. B Du Bois disagree with Booker T
Washington. He is the first African-Americans finish the PhD,
so he is educated. He is the middle class from north. He thinks
hard work and responsibility are not enough to achieve the

equality. When they have the economy success, the white
resentment can lead to violence and terror. So he believes that
African-Americans should use 14th and 15th Amendment and
the law to protect themselves and fight for the citizen rights.
Differently, Philip Randolph was the leader of the largest black
labor union. He believes that these are not race problem because
white people also have labors struggle. The structural flaw with
the capitalist system cause the poverty and lack access of
education. The solution is integration. The different ideologies
and solutions show that African-Americans are active to fight
for themselves. Also the progress had conflicts between
themselves.
The gender problem and racism are important in the American
history because they are two groups of people who fight for
their civil rights and equality in the land of freedom bravely.
Their existing achievements are the progress of American’s
democracy and justice. Both of them didn’t get the absolute
fairness yet, so they are still on the way.
lecture
April 9
part 1
https://youtu.be/ivcLVhtHd1c
part 2
https://youtu.be/UeCh6gxjD9M
April 16
p1
https://youtu.be/Vdu7MOnPgg4
p2
https://youtu.be/YQZnyTfyc4Q
April23
p1
https://youtu.be/J9I0brUw8k4
p2

https://youtu.be/ZfpbL4nX9KM
April30
p1
https://youtu.be/V4UGNekrujY
p2
https://youtu.be/HpC80PtBFQk
May
p1
https://youtu.be/DYfCAPkKJmM
p2
https://youtu.be/q1R584Slh3E
Instructions:
To complete the final exam, you will write a standard long
format essay (at least 1000 words, 5-6, pages, 12 point Times
New Roman font, double-check) to answer the following
prompt:
· Discuss, define, and explain factors that changed America’s
public perceptions of Mexicans/Latinx and Japanese/Asians in
the 20th century.
Your essay will need to take into consideration the following
documents:
Document #1:
Document #1: Bath Houses at El Paso, Texas (1917)
Document #2:
Document #2: California Governor Pete Wilson's Campaign Ad
(1994)
https://youtu.be/lLIzzs2HHgY
Document #3:
Document #3: Mexican immigrants boarding a Mexico-bound
bus in Los Angeles in 1931

Document #4
Document #4: Current employer requirements and annual limits
for H2 Visa / Temporary / Seasonal Agriculture Workers
Document #5
Document #5: “The Honorable Fifth Column” by Dr. Seuss
(1942)
Document #6
Document #6: “Nisei in Uniform” published by the War
Relocation (1944)
Document #7
Document #7: Wilbert Din, a Chinese American teenager in
New York, pictured for an essay titled "Americans without a
Delinquency Problem" published for Look Magazine (1958)
Document #8:
Document #8: Anti-Japanese poster at Six Flag Autoworld in
Flint, Michigan (1984)
Relevant Key Terms to Consider:
1. “Illegal” Aliens
2. 442 Regiment
3. Anti-Vietnam War Movement
4. Asian American Political Alliance
5. Assimilation
6. Border Patrol/ Bathing Houses at El Paso Texas
7. Bracero Program
8. California Alien Land Act 1913
9. Chicano Movement
10. (Links to an external site.)
11.
12. Dillion Myer
13. Executive Order 9066

14. Fred Korematsu v. United States
15. H2 Visas
16. Hart-Cellar Act 1965
17. Japanese American Citizens League
18. Johnson-Reed Act/Immigration Act 1924
19. La Placita Raid
20. Latashin Harlins
22.
23. League of United Latin American Citizens
24. Los Angeles Riot 1992
26.
27. Mike Masaoka
28. Model minorities
29. No-No Boys
30. Operation Wetback
31. Repatriation Program
33.
34. Resettlement Program
35. Richard Aoki
36. Sal Castro
37. Soon Ja Duh
39.
40. The Blow Outs
41. Third World Liberation Front
42. Vietnam War
43. Vincent Chin
45.
War Relocation Authority
Your grade (250 points) for this assignment will be based on the
following criteria:
· Thesis: Present a thesis that makes a historically defensible

claim and response to all parts of the question. Your thesis must
consist of one or more sentences located in the introduction.
· Argument Development: Develop and support a cohesive
argument that recognizes and accounts for the historical
complexity by explicitly illustrating relationships among
historical evidence such as contradictions, corroboration, and/or
qualification.
· Use of Documents: Utilize the content of at least six
documentsto support the stated thesis or a relevant argument.
For every document below the minimum quota of six
documents, 25 points will be deducted from your total score.
· Sourcing the documents: Explaining the significance of the
author's point of view, author's purpose, historical context,
and/or audience for at least six documents.
· Contextualization: Situate the argument by explaining the
broader historical events, developments, or processes
immediately relevant to the question.
· Evidence Beyond the Documents: Provide examples or
additional evidence (key terms/concepts from the reading and
class lectures) beyond those found in the documents to support
your argument.
[Double Check Your Submission] double-check your submission
to make sure it meets all of the criteria for the assignment.
· [Proofread] Please proofread your essay utilizes at least six
documents to answer the essay prompt in a clear, organized,
detailed, and cohesive essay format (short essay response
includes a short introduction including a thesis statement, body
paragraphs with supporting evidence, and conclusion statement)
· [At least 1000 words] Your submission must be at least 1000
words and include specific details, key terms, and contents from
class readings and lectures. Any submission with fewer than
1000 words will automatically receive a zero
· [Include citations of at least six documents] When quoting or
citing from the document, a simple in writing MLA citation
(source #) at the end of the sentence is sufficient. Any essay
that does not include a citation of assigned documents, discuss

relevant information/content/key terms beyond the documents
and written vaguely and broadly will not receive partial credit
Video guide on how to initiate and complete the submission
process
Management 306
Layoffs (Example 2)
FSE
To: Employees of Financial Software Engineering FSE
From: Aguilar, Ozzy CEO
Date: November 1, 2016
Subject: FSE Upcoming Changes
I personally, as your CEO, would like to thank each and
everyone of you that has contribute to our company's success. If
it wasn't because you all have demonstrated dedication at 110%,
this company, your company would not be in the position it has
been for many years now. As you all know the market has been
taken a toll for the past two years in our AccountSoft
departments, therefore our company is forced to make some
changes that will affect about 2% of us which is around 150 of
our employees. In contrast I will also like to extend a few
services for those affected.

What Will Change
After two years of declining profits and with the possibility of
losing more that what we have invested, the company has
decided to sell the AccountSoft department. The selling process
will take about four weeks to complete this which will create a
reduction in staff. We regret the change, but with a company of
7500 employees this change is the only way to keep the
company going for more years to come. By losing 2% of our
company employees we can retain the remaining 98% under
employment.
Who Is Affected
As 98% of employees will continue to sell and develop software
the 2% of the employees currently assigned to the sells and
marketing of AccountSoft department will be changed to
different positions, departments, or careers. We are doing our
best so that the change does not affect more than the 2% target
that we are forced to change which is around 150 employees at
the moment.
What The Company Is Doing For Yon
The company is working with the new buyers so that they can

employ most of the 150 employees affected with this change.
They have agreed to employ the software developers as part of
the first terms in the contract agreement of the sell. We are also
working internally with our Human Resource Department to see
how many of the affected we can still accommodate around the
company, keep in mind that this will develop pay cuts or a
change in position. Management has agreed to take a 7% pay cut
to alleviate some of the companies downsizing.
After The Changes
There are a few things that will happen after the sell. The
company will use the 7% pay cut from management to put
together a resume workshop for those affected. Also, the sick
leave policy states that when an employee either quits or gets
laid off he/she is entitled to 50% of the time accrued in their
sick leave account. This will also change for those affected with
the sell of the AccountSoft department, for this time only the
company has agreed to pay 100% of the sick leave accrued to
the 2% affected. The last thing we will encourage you is to file
for unemployment, this for the most part is out of the
companies' hands, but we are making sure that the affected
know their remaining resources after the sell. I am also willing
to personally write a letter of recommendation to those affected
upon request.
Once again I would like to thank you for all your support
throughout the years. I have enjoyed working with you all and I
regret the change we are force to do. I will conduct two
meetings on Friday, November 4. Please, prior to our meeting

get together with your direct supervisors and discuss any issues
you would like to bring before me. The first meeting will be
held with the AccountSoft Sales department at 0900 hours, an
hour after the department comes in to work and the second
meeting will be held with the AccountSoft marketing
department at 1300 hours, an hour after the department has
return from lunch. At this times I will try and answer all your
questions and also take in to consideration any other possible
ideas that can help us all. Thank you and I look forward to our
discussion.
Management 306
Layoffs
You are the Senior Vice-President (SVP) of Human Resources
for a financial software company that has 7,500 employees. In
the past, the company has focused on selling a software product,
AccountSoft, to large accounting firms. However, AccountSoft
has suffered declining sales for the past two years, and
management has decided to change the focus of the company to
sell to small businesses and individuals. Because AccountSoft
no longer fits with the new mission of the company, it will be
sold to another financial software company—Accounting
Support Services, Inc. (ASS).
The sale of AccountSoft to Accounting Support Services will
affect two groups of employees in the AccountSoft division.
Software developers will transfer to the acquiring firm, but the
sales and marketing staff (about 150 people) will be leaving.
This was the agreement with Accounting Support Services as
part of the acquisition deal.

To announce the change in company mission, the sale of
AccountSoft, and the upcoming layoffs, you advise the CEO to
send an email to all employees. You are tasked with writing the
email that will be sent. In addition, you will have individual
conversations with employees who will be affected by the
layoffs.
Write the memo to communicate the decision clearly and help
employees understand and accept the change.
Audience
Though you are writing to all 7,500 employees, the sale of
AccountSoft will not affect everyone the same. Two percent of
all employees will be laid off and an unknown number will be
transferred to Accounting Support Services. The remainder will
remain with the company, but will need to understand how the
change will affect their jobs.
Purpose
Your purpose is to communicate the decision, the facts that led
up to the decision, the employees who will be affected by the
decision, and future company plans to all remaining employees.
Be sure to include specific dates when the changes will occur.
Structure

Structure the "bad news" indirectly. Include at least four
paragraphs. The first paragraph will be the context or buffer,
the second will be the explanation, the third will contain the bad
news, and the fourth will contain the goodwill close.
Style
When conveying bad news, tone is important. Choose a style
that is clear and informative, positive and respectful. Consider
the reaction to your choice of words conveying the bad news.
For example, imagine the difference between saying
"unfortunately, valuable employees will be laid off" versus
"excess employees will be dumped."
Management 306
Layoffs (Example 3)
Financial Software Systems
To: Employees of Financial Software Systems
From: Lewis Renwick, CEO
Date: November 6, 2014
Subject: Corporate Realignment of Goals, Objectives, and
Downsizing

I wanted you to hear directly from me about our plans at
Financial Software Systems. In recent days, rumors have been
circulating throughout the organization and I would like to
clarify some things. I know that the hard work and dedication of
every employee throughout the entire organization is the key to
Financial Software Systems success. I have had the pleasure to
work alongside some of the most extraordinary individuals, and
our focus has always been to provide the unprecedented
superior financial software systems for large companies.
Since I became CEO, I've been working with Financial Software
Systems' senior management team to create a plan to position
the company for future growth, maintaining our position as the
industry's leader in quality financial software systems??ll while
safeguarding our traditions and legacy. The company is
restructuring our goals and objectives to give ourselves the
opportunity to compete in our core business; we will transition
our focus from financial software systems for large to small
companies. Financial Software Systems' prized gem,
AccountSoft, has suffered declining sales over the past two
years, and it no longer fits with the new goals and objectives of
the company. As a result, the AccountSoft division of our
company will be acquired by Accounting Support Services, Inc.
to reduce costs and reallocate resources to our high-growth
financial software systems that accomplish our goals.
Here at Financial Software Systems, we are currently in a
position of unparalleled strength. To maintain this position, we
are constantly reviewing our business to make sure we're
operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. During this
acquisition, we did our best to minimize staff reductions.
However, and it pains me to say this, positions will be

eliminated. As part of this effort, the 150 employees within the
sales and marketing departments of AccountSoft will be laid
off. Due to a stipulation in our acquisition agreement, the
software developers of AccountSoft will be offered the same
position within Accounting Support Services, Inc.; the
organizational restructuring will take effect December 1, 2014.
To minimize the stress to our valued employees, we will be
offering a free "Resume and Cover Letter Revising" workshop
on November 20, 2014 for all individuals who wish to attend. A
severance package of $2,000 per employee will be offered to
financially relieve some of the burden caused upon each
individual. Effective November 7, 2014, Employees in the sales
and marketing departments of AccountSoft will remain on
payroll until after the transition, but are no longer obligated to
be present at the facility. We treat all of our employees with
dignity and respect, and will provide the resources previously
discussed to help them through this transition. Despite the
challenges we face, we need to focus on the tasks at hand,
maintain the sense of excellence that has defined our company
for more than 50 years, and move forward knowing that,
regardless of any organizational changes, we will remain the
industry's gold standard.
Management 306
Layoffs (Example 1)
MISYS FINANCIAL SOFTWARE
To: Employees of Financial Software Systems

From: Diego Morales, CEO
Date: October 27, 2016
Subject: Corporate Downsizing
Throughout the last few years, our global economy has
encountered a number of great depressions and recently, the
software industry has been the victim. As you all may know, we
as a company have done everything in our power to maintain net
earnings at a maximum as best as possible. However with a
warm heart, I am sadden to inform you that that hasn't been the
case lately. Before I state the company's future strategic
business plan I would like to thank the people who have kept
this company alive.
First and foremost, I would like to thank each and every one of
you for the hard work and dedication you have accomplished
over the years. Out of all the 7,500 employees in this division, I
can honestly say that I wouldn't want any other group of
individuals to manage besides you. Not only am I proud of each
and every one of you but you have all contributed to produce
one of the top selling software products out on the market.
However, over several talks with the board of directors and
production managers we have all decided to sell our product
AccountSoft to an interested firm, Account Support Services.
As well as each and every one of you, I am also very upset with
this circumstance. I truly understand that AccountSoft is one of
our major products but recently, it hasn't been making sufficient

satisfaction to our company's specific mission. Not to mention
that keeping this product under our production will result in an
even greater loss in the near future. Therefore for the sake of
the company's future, a decision had to be made.
As part of this acquisition deal with Account Support Services,
we have agreed that the software developers will also go to the
acquiring firm. However, the sales and marketing team will not
and therefore be leaving our company as well. It deeply hurts
me to say that approximately 150 employees will be laid off. In
the upcoming days, any one is welcomed to meet and consult
with the Senior Vice President of the HR Department for further
details or discuss more personal matters.
On the other hand, we have taken into consideration each and
everyone's circumstance and even though the acquisition will
not be finalized for another four months, we have decided to
prepare you for the future. During these four months, the
company will offer free workshops. Certain hiring events will
be held in the warehouse as well as resume workshops for
anyone who seeks employment in a different field. The company
will also offer a counselor for personal help and guidance and
all these services will be offered at your convenience.
Now, as CEO I honestly understand how dreadful hearing bad
news can be since I too have been laid off in my career.
Therefore, I have managed to incorporate a perk for all those
years you have all given for this company. As I said earlier, we
couldn't have gotten this far without any of you so consider this
it as a "Thank you" in return. Now when the acquisition

finalizes on February 24, all employees who are laid off will
remain on our pay roll for another month. No further labor will
be required after February 24, 2017 but each employee will still
receive income.
With a deep heart, I understand that is not nearly enough to
show you all how grateful I am but during these hard financial
times, it's the best I can do. A rigid choice has led our company
to relinquish a great select group of individuals and in the
upcoming path, I your CEO will make sure the necessary tools
and help is provided to facilitate every need. We all here at
MISYS gladly appreciate your cooperation and understanding
with our distance. Last thing to do is to consider this a setback,
but rather instead a new beginning. Any further questions or
regards are highly welcomed and the HR Department is also
available to serve you. We are here for you and with you until
the end.

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