Final answer:
Supervisors use email, phone calls, and meetings for formal communication, choosing the method that best suits the nature of the message. Emails are great for detailed, non-urgent communication, phone calls for immediate or complex discussions, and meetings for collaborative decision-making. Hence, option (4) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Supervisors rely heavily on formal communication via all of the above methods: email, phone calls, and meetings. Each method serves different purposes and is chosen based on the situation and nature of the communication required.
Emails are professional, provide a written record, and are suitable for non-urgent or detailed information. Phone calls are more personal and efficient for immediate or complex discussions. Meetings, whether virtual or face-to-face, are essential for collective decision-making and collaborative efforts.
It is important to use each communication method appropriately. For example, composing an email requires careful proofreading to ensure the message is clear and professional. When a written explanation is too lengthy, or clarity is crucial, a phone call or in-person communication might be better. In professional settings, practicing good netiquette and maintaining a balance between being direct and polite can greatly impact the effectiveness of communication.