What is the purpose of a buffer in business communication?

The purpose of a buffer in business communication is to lessen the impact of negative news. When delivering unfavorable information, it's important to soften the blow for the recipient to maintain goodwill and minimize the emotional response. A buffer serves as a cushion that prepares the reader or listener for the forthcoming negative message.

For instance, this could involve starting with a positive statement or acknowledgment of the recipient's contributions before transitioning into the more challenging news. By doing so, the communicator shows sensitivity to the recipient’s feelings, which helps to foster understanding and maintain a constructive relationship despite the negative information being shared.

The other options focus on different aspects of communication. Providing detailed analysis pertains more to the depth of information being shared, gathering employee feedback relates to soliciting input for improvement or engagement, and promoting positive outcomes involves strategies to encourage favorable results or perceptions, none of which directly address the need to mitigate the impact of negative news in communication.