Chapter 3: Defining Your Communication's Objectives
Extra Case Online 3.1
This case asks you to identify stakeholders for a report. This is an important step before writing a document.
The Case: Wastewater Treatment Report
You are an employee of a wastewater treatment plant in town. You were just assigned the task of writing a report to be submitted to the state. One copy remains on file at the state, and one copy is on file in the plant after being reviewed by the plant supervisor. This report is what will allow the plant to remain operating during the following year, since it reports that the plant is falling within state regulations regarding the chemical content of the water after treatment.
The wastewater, after treatment, is used to irrigate farmland in the local area. It is used to irrigate alfalfa, wheat to feed horses and other livestock, and some cotton.
During your research and data collection, you discover that the plant is not falling within state regulations. There seems to be a higher amount of nitrogen in the treated wastewater than the state allows. The amount is barely over the limit, but it is over the limit nonetheless.
The Task
- List your audience members for the report.
- On whom would your report, if written according to your data and research findings, have an impact?
- What are the goals, needs, concerns, and values of your audiences?
- Explain how you would approach the ethical issues presented in this case, and explain how you would solve the problems.