Strategically selecting a communication channel means that you choose the communication channel that is best able to meet your work objectives. This process involves evaluating three qualities of communication channels: richness, control, and constraints. Richness involves two considerations: the level of immediacy and number of cues available. Control refers to the degree to which communications can be planned and recorded, thus allowing strategic message development. Constraints refer to the practical limitations of coordination and resources. You will evaluate communication channels in terms of richness, control, and constraints.
Read the case below and answer the questions that follow.

You work for Performance Now Sports (PNS), a chain of retail sports stores. You sell high-end sports clothing and gear. After two successful years as a PNS store manager, you were recently promoted to a district sales manager. In this role, you are responsible for the performance of 15 stores. You work closely with each store manager to carry out the organization's overall sales strategy.

Last week, you met with the company's marketing director. She stated that you are responsible for achieving a 15 percent growth in revenue for your district during the next year. She wants you to implement a new incentive system in which sales representatives receive lower base wages but higher commission rates. She also wants you to provide recommendations for at least five locations within your district for new stores. Finally, she wants you to lead local marketing campaigns that draw attention to stores in your district.

1. You want to hold a meeting with the 15 store managers to discuss the new sales incentive system. Which of the following statements is most true of a conference call in this situation?

a. It is low in richness and medium in control.
b. It is medium in richness and low in control.
c. It is low in richness and low in control.
d. It is low in richness and high in control.

2. You want to hold individual meetings with each of the 15 store managers. Which of the following statements is most true of meetings with each store manager in this situation?

a. It is high in richness and high in constraints.
b. It is high in richness and low in constraints.
c. It is low in richness and high in constraints.
d. It is low in richness and low in constraints.

3. You want to communicate the 15 percent sales growth goals to each of the store managers. At the same time, you want to share some of your ideas for how store managers can make this happen. Which of the following is most true of an email in this situation?

a. It is high in richness and low in control.
b. It is low in richness and low in control.
c. It is high in richness and high in control.
d. It is low in richness and high in control.