“I’m sure they won’t mind if we start sending them the report on these oversized computer sheets. All this time we’ve been condensing it, retyping it, and sending it to our biggest accounts, but we just can’t now. We’re so understaffed, we don’t have the time,” says Otto Breth. “I’ll just write a comment here telling them how to respond to this report, and then we can send it out.”

a. What potential problems do you see in casually changing external output? List them.
b. Discuss in a paragraph how internal and external output can differ in appearance and function.

a. Some of the potential problems that can be caused by changing external outputs casually are:

Initial confusion
Dissatisfaction
Resistance

b. External outputs usually include instructions to the recipients. Some are placed on preprinted forms bearing the company logo, address, and corporate colors. Internal outputs range from short summary reports to lengthy, detailed reports to help decision makers make more effective decisions. Attractive design and appearance are usually of greater importance to external users.