Business Communication and Character

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TurboTax Apologizes for Change

TurboTax changed its software and didn't communicate the decision as well as it could have. People rely on the program to do their own taxes rather than hiring an accountant. But the company omitted some forms, and users didn't realize until they starting working in the system. 

General Manager Sasan Goodarzi is front and center-including this photo- in the apology that was distributed by email to TurboTax registered users.

TurboTax

Download full TurboTax apology.

Discussion Starters: 

  • What principles of business writing does Goodarzi use in his statement? Particularly consider the organization: how is the statement structured, and how does he organize each paragraph? 
  • How effective is his apology? What might users appreciate, and what could further anger them?