Question

It makes sense to provide bad news in writing to someone when you
1. have bad news with a high level of severity.
2. have worked with the person for a long time.
3. are providing an informal notice.
4. are replying to a written request.

Answer 1

Short answer: 3 and 4 are appropriate reasons to give bad news in writing. 1 and 2 are not (or at least not by themselves).

Why:
- 1. High-severity bad news — usually NOT best delivered only in writing. Severe or highly emotional news is normally handled face-to-face or by phone first, with a written follow-up for documentation.
- 2. Long-term working relationship — this argues for a personal delivery (in person/phone) to preserve the relationship and show respect, not for written-only delivery.
- 3. Informal notice — OK to use written channels (email, text) for informal, low-stakes bad news or schedule changes.
- 4. Replying to a written request — appropriate to respond in writing when someone explicitly asked you in writing or when a written record is required.

Quick practical rules:
- Use in-person/phone for serious, emotional, or complex news; follow up in writing if you need a record.
- Use written notice for routine, low-stakes, remote, or formally requested communications, or when legal/documentary evidence is needed.
- When you must write bad news, be clear, empathetic, give reasons briefly, and (if possible) offer alternatives or next steps.