Senior executives at a large tire company learned that a line of tires had a tendency to fall apart in very warm weather. This resulted in several vehicle accidents in the Middle East and South America. However, the executives did not hear about these problems until several weeks after the lower-level managers learned about the same. Although the senior executives encourage staff to openly communicate all information, the lower-level staff held back the information for fear that they might lose their jobs. Which communication concept best describes this communication situation?
A) media richness
B) persuasive communication
C) filtering
D) flaming
E) information overload

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Filtering occurs when information is withheld or distorted, often due to fear of negative consequences, as in this case where lower-level staff withheld information from senior executives.

Senior Executives at a Large Tire Company Learned That a Line