1) Which of the following is NOT an accurate statement?
A) William Schaffer, International Business Development Manager for Sun Microsystems has stated, "If there's one skill that's required for success in this industry, it's communication skills."
B) There is a significant difference between communication skills of physicians with and without malpractice claims.
C) Workers in high-tech fields do not need good communication skills.
D) Poor communication is one of the most common reasons for errors in shooting among officers of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Answer: C
Explanation: Communication ability is often cited as the most important factor in making an executive promotable.
Topic: Communication and Career Success
Learning Objective: 01-01 Explain the role of communication in career success, providing examples to support your claims.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
2) Which of the following is NOT true about individuals communicating in today's organizations?
A) Many recruiters believe that the main factors contributing to job success in corporate America are the ability to work with others and effective communication skills.
B) More than 60% of reported medical errors have been attributed to poor communication.
C) The average business executive spends more than 45 minutes of every hour communicating.
D) Due to advanced technology, good communication skills are less important in the 21st century than in they were in the 20th century.
Answer: D
Explanation: Communication skills are highly important for success in technical careers in the 21st century.
Topic: Communication and Career Success
Learning Objective: 01-01 Explain the role of communication in career success, providing examples to support your claims.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
3) Experts estimate that the average business executive spends what percentage of his or her time communicating?
A) 75 to 80 percent
B) 50 to 55 percent
C) 25 to 30 percent
D) 10 to 15 percent
Answer: A
Explanation: Experts estimate that the average business executive spends 75 to 80 percent of his or her time communicating.
Topic: Communication and Career Success
Learning Objective: 01-01 Explain the role of communication in career success, providing examples to support your claims.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
4) According to corporate recruiters, which of the following is one of the main factors that contributes to job success?
A) technical skills
B) native intelligence
C) educational background
D) communication skills
Answer: D
Explanation: A degree in communication provides an excellent background for careers in a variety of fields, ranging from advertising to public relations to government affairs.
Topic: Communication and Career Success
Learning Objective: 01-01 Explain the role of communication in career success, providing examples to support your claims.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
5) In general, students ________ the importance of communication skills in the workplace and ________ their own communication skills.
A) overestimate; overestimate
B) underestimate; underestimate
C) underestimate; overestimate
D) overestimate; underestimate
Answer: C
Explanation: In general, students underestimate the importance of communication skills in the workplace and overestimate their own communication skills.
Topic: Communication and Career Success
Learning Objective: 01-01 Explain the role of communication in career success, providing examples to support your claims.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
6) The statement "Communication is unavoidable" means that
A) if you're absent from a meeting, you are not communicating at all.
B) all communication is unintentional.
C) people will probably attach meaning to your actions, even when you don't intend to communicate something.
D) true communication occurs only when we are face to face with another person.
Answer: C
Explanation: Communication is unavoidable because people will probably attach meaning to your actions, even if you aren't intending to communicate anything.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Principles
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
7) Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A) You cannot communicate.
B) Most communicators at work send more messages than they receive.
C) It is possible to take back a message after another person has received it.
D) Context has little to do with successful communication.
Answer: A
Explanation: We "cannot communicate" because people will probably attach meaning to your actions, even if you aren't intending to communicate anything.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Principles
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
8) Felix needs to know how many people will be attending the company's lunch seminar so he can order enough food. He sends an e-mail to his coworkers asking them to let him know if they will be coming and whether or not they have any dietary restrictions. This is an example of
A) instrumental communication.
B) relational communication.
C) identity management.
D) network management.
Answer: A
Explanation: This is an example of instrumental communication. Felix's message is aimed at accomplishing a specific task, determining what food to order for the lunch seminar.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Principles
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
9) It is important to Mikhail to be seen by his coworkers as an intelligent, serious person. In his speech and written communication with them he makes a point of avoiding contractions and using sophisticated words and phrases. This is an example of
A) feedback management.
B) instrumental communication.
C) relational communication.
D) identity management.
Answer: D
Explanation: Identity management is the practice of presenting yourself in ways that produce a preferred image and distinctive sense of self.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Principles
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
10) Which of the following is NOT one of the three main strategic communication goals?
A) relational communication
B) unintended communication
C) instrumental communication
D) identity management
Answer: B
Explanation: Strategic communication goals include instrumental communication, relational communication, and identity management.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Principles
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
11) Strategic messages can have one of three goals. During office meetings, Sara expresses her respect for her boss by listening attentively, nodding, and taking notes. Through her actions, Sara is illustrating a ________ message.
A) sequential
B) content
C) relational
D) structured
Answer: C
Explanation: Relational communication shapes and reflects the way people regard one another.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Principles
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
12) All of the following are true about strategic communication EXCEPT
A) our messages include both instrumental and relational aspects.
B) it is unethical to use communication strategies to achieve our goals.
C) it is possible to communicate strategically, while still respecting others' rights and needs.
D) identity management involves purposefully trying to make a certain type of impression through our communication.
Answer: B
Explanation: Virtually all communication is aimed at achieving goals; strategic communication is not necessarily unethical.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Principles
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
13) Communication is
A) irreversible.
B) insignificant.
C) avoidable.
D) a panacea.
Answer: A
Explanation: Communication is irreversible.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Principles
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
14) If you make a harsh and unkind comment to someone
A) he/she will forgive and forget, as long as you apologize later.
B) you can erase the unkind comment from their mind by giving the individual a compliment the next day.
C) he/she is likely to remember the comment for a long time.
D) your unkind comment will have little impact if it occurred during an argument, because unkind behavior is expected in that context.
Answer: C
Explanation: Our words and actions are remembered by others; we can't go back and erase them from others' memories.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Principles
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
15) Which of the following statements describes communication most accurately?
A) When we experience a misunderstanding, better communication can always solve the problem.
B) The meaning of every message we send is affected by the communication context.
C) Fortunately, if we have hurt someone's feelings by our words, we can erase all bad feelings by apologizing.
D) Honest people will not face ethical challenges as they communicate at work.
Answer: B
Explanation: To understand a communication event, we need information about the context of the communication.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Principles
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Analyze
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
16) Communication is a process. This means that
A) to understand communication, we need to examine the context in which it occurs.
B) effective communication is efficient.
C) every message we send is an isolated event.
D) communication is avoidable.
Answer: A
Explanation: To understand a communication event, we need information about the context of the communication
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Principles
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
17) Georgia believes that she will get what she wants if she simply communicates in the "correct" way. Which of the principles of communication does Georgia fail to understand?
A) One cannot communicate.
B) Communication is irreversible.
C) Communication is unavoidable.
D) Communication is not a panacea.
Answer: D
Explanation: Communication is not a panacea.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Principles
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
18) Which of the following describes most accurately the potential of effective communication?
A) If you develop good communication skills, you can get what you want all the time.
B) If you spend enough time communicating with someone about a misunderstanding, you will always be able to find a solution that you both like.
C) If you improve your communication skills, you can increase your effectiveness in personal and business relationships.
D) If two people understand each other's messages, they will never disagree.
Answer: C
Explanation: Effective communication skills won't solve every problem, but they can help you increase your effectiveness in personal and business relationships.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Principles
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Analyze
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
19) Which of the following is NOT one of the elements of the communication process?
A) noise
B) topic
C) channel
D) feedback
Answer: B
Explanation: The elements of the communication model include noise, channel, and feedback.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
20) In the model of communication, the term "sender" refers to a person who is
A) encoding ideas using words or nonverbal methods.
B) interpreting words and gestures.
C) providing feedback on a message.
D) engaged in asynchronous communication.
Answer: A
Explanation: The sender encodes a message.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
21) The activity of selecting words and/or nonverbal signals to express your ideas is known as
A) feedback.
B) context.
C) encoding.
D) decoding.
Answer: C
Explanation: The activity of selecting words and/or nonverbal signals to express your ideas is known as encoding.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
22) When Rahim's mother told him he needed to clean up his room, he rolled his eyes. This is an example of
A) feedback.
B) psychological noise.
C) decoding.
D) multiple channel communication.
Answer: A
Explanation: When Rahim rolled his eyes in response to his mother's message, he was providing feedback.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
23) "Channels" of communication are defined as
A) gestures.
B) digitized messages.
C) significant gaps in understanding.
D) methods used to deliver a message.
Answer: D
Explanation: The channel is the method used to deliver a message.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
24) Fatima asks, "What time will the meeting start?" Fatima's words are an example of a
A) channel.
B) decoding.
C) message.
D) context.
Answer: C
Explanation: According to the communication model, the message consists of the words a person speaks and the nonverbal methods the person uses.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
25) ________ refers to the words and nonverbal methods a person uses to communicate ideas.
A) The message
B) The encoding
C) Physical noise
D) The channel
Answer: A
Explanation: The words and nonverbal methods a person uses to communicate an idea are known as a message.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
26) The role of the receiver is to
A) send messages.
B) decode messages.
C) encode messages.
D) act as a messenger.
Answer: B
Explanation: The receiver decodes the sender's message by attaching meaning to its words and nonverbal signals.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
27) When an individual attaches meaning to the message he/she receives, which of the following components of the communication process has occurred?
A) encoding
B) decoding
C) channeling
D) transmission
Answer: B
Explanation: The receiver decodes the sender's message by attaching meaning to its words and nonverbal signals.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
28) Which of the following would NOT provide feedback to the sender?
A) deciding not to answer a phone message from your ex-girlfriend
B) browsing through a company's catalog to see what styles of shoes they offer
C) falling asleep during a boring meeting
D) sending a letter to the editor of your local newspaper in response to an article the paper published
Answer: B
Explanation: The receiver's discernible response to a sender's message is called feedback. We send unintentional feedback when we don't respond to a sender.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
29) Successful communication can best be understood as
A) the delivery of a message in such a way that the receiver comprehends exactly what the sender was trying to say.
B) a circular process in which individuals take turns sending and receiving messages to each other.
C) a collaborative process in which participants create a shared understanding.
D) the process of an active sender encoding a message and delivering it to a passive receiver to be decoded.
Answer: C
Explanation: Successful communication is a collaborative process in which participants create a shared understanding.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
30) Angelia has recently begun making a lot of mistakes on her day job. She has not been listening attentively to her supervisor's instructions. Angelia is no longer attentive because she is exhausted. She has taken on a second job at night so she can pay off her credit card debt. In the above example, which type of noise is causing a breakdown in the communication process between Angelia and her supervisor?
A) physiological noise
B) defensiveness
C) supervisory noise
D) subtle noise
Answer: A
Explanation: Physiological noise arises from physical processes such as illness or tiredness.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
31) Josefina was so angry that she didn't even hear her brother's apology. Which type of noise hindered Josefina's ability to accurately decode her brother's message?
A) physical
B) psychological
C) physiological
D) external
Answer: B
Explanation: Psychological noise (such as anger, egotism, prejudice, or fear) can prevent you from understanding the message.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
32) Egotism is an example of ________ that interferes with effective communication.
A) physical noise
B) encoding
C) a channel
D) psychological noise
Answer: D
Explanation: Psychological noise (such as anger, egotism, prejudice, or fear) can prevent you from understanding the message.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
33) Richard works for a small local newspaper as the advertising manager. Richard thinks he has been giving his subordinates plenty of encouragement because he says "thank you" when they turn in their projects. However, Richard has just discovered that most of his subordinates think Richard isn't providing enough praise and encouragement. This example illustrates that
A) meaning resides in the words of the sender.
B) the verbal channel is fatally flawed.
C) messages are not always understood as the sender intended.
D) Richard is a good supervisor.
Answer: C
Explanation: Messages are not always interpreted as the sender intended.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Basics of the Communication Model
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
34) The channel of communication that has the highest level of nonverbal "richness" is
A) face-to-face communication.
B) instant messaging.
C) voice mail.
D) snail mail.
Answer: A
Explanation: Face-to-face communication is the richest mode of communication available.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Channels
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
35) A lean channel is best when you
A) want your message to provide a personal focus.
B) need to receive feedback quickly.
C) want your communication to be efficient.
D) need to exert a great deal of control over your message's tone.
Answer: C
Explanation: A lean channel is best when you want your communication to be efficient.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Channels
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
36) Which of the following is an example of asynchronous communication?
A) a face-to-face meeting
B) an e-mail exchange
C) a video chat
D) a telephone conversation
Answer: B
Explanation: Asynchronous communication is communication where there is a lag between the transmission and receipt of messages, as with e-mail.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Channels
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
37) Which of the following is a disadvantage of using face-to-face communication over other communication channels?
A) There is lag time between transmission and reception of the message.
B) Face-to-face communication reduces your ability to hold the receiver's attention.
C) It is often difficult to schedule a time to meet face-to-face.
D) It is more difficult to develop effective relationships with individuals when you use face-to-face communication.
Answer: C
Explanation: One potential disadvantage of face-to-face communication is that it may be difficult to schedule an in-person meeting.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Channels
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
38) The channel of communication recommended for messages of a highly personal nature is
A) e-mail.
B) oral communication.
C) a formal letter.
D) instant messaging.
Answer: B
Explanation: Oral communication is recommended when you are giving information that is highly personal.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Channels
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
39) Which type of communication should be used if you are presenting ideas when you need to gather instantaneous feedback?
A) written communication
B) voice mail
C) teleconferencing
D) face-to-face communication
Answer: D
Explanation: Face-to-face communication is recommended if your message requires instantaneous feedback.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Channels
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
40) Naomi is an attorney. She needs to explain to her client as clearly and precisely as possible what his options are under the law. Under these circumstances, the best channel for her to use is a
A) letter.
B) telephone conversation.
C) meeting at his office.
D) text message.
Answer: A
Explanation: Naomi needs to exert as much control over the content of her message as possible, so a written channel is needed. A letter offers Naomi a greater level of detail than a text message, so it is the best choice.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Channels
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Apply
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
41) You should choose written communication in preference to other channels when
A) you want to decrease your chance of making errors.
B) the situation requires a personal touch.
C) you want to save time.
D) there is a need for immediate feedback.
Answer: A
Explanation: Written communication enables you to ponder each word before you send it out, to decrease your chance of making errors.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Channels
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
42) When management chooses a written format to communicate a decision to employees, an important characteristic of the written message is that
A) there is no legal record of the communication.
B) there is a permanent record of the message.
C) it provides a forum for discussing management decisions.
D) it is easy to improvise when using written communication.
Answer: B
Explanation: Written communication preserves a permanent record of the message.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Channels
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
43) Which of the following communication channels provides the lowest level of message richness?
A) voice mail
B) e-mail
C) videoconferencing
D) face-to-face
Answer: B
Explanation: E-mail is low in richness. The other options, in which the sender's voice can be heard and the sender may be visible, provide greater richness.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Channels
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
44) Instant messaging (IM) is a good choice for communicating messages when you
A) do not want to leave a record of your communication.
B) want to provide written directions for a complicated task.
C) are sending a short, non-confrontational message to someone who is available to communicate with you at that moment.
D) need to finish a delicate, emotionally charged conversation that was interrupted the day before.
Answer: C
Explanation: Instant messaging is appropriate if you are sending a short, non-confrontational message to someone who is available to communicate with you at that moment. As this channel offers a low amount of richness and detail, it is a poor choice for sensitive or complicated messages. It is a written channel, so using it will create a record of your communication.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Channels
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.; 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
45) Which of the following is a characteristic of instant messaging as a communication channel?
A) personal tone
B) high message control
C) moderate richness
D) asynchronous communication speed
Answer: D
Explanation: The instant messaging communication channel is asynchronous. It offers low richness, moderate message control, and a moderate tone.
Topic: The Nature of Communication: Communication Channels
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
46) A pattern of communication created by the flow of messages among communicators is known as
A) lateral communication.
B) a communication model.
C) an organizational chart.
D) a communication network.
Answer: D
Explanation: A pattern of communication created by the flow of messages among communicators is known as a communication network.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-02 Apply the key principles of communication, knowledge of the basic elements of the communication model, and considerations of effective communication channel use to a specific situation, showing how each one affects the outcome of the interaction.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
47) Which of the following is true about the role of communication networks in organizations?
A) Small organizations do not have any formal communication networks.
B) All organizations use the same type of formal communication structure.
C) Formal communication networks are designed by management.
D) A communication network eliminates the presence of conflicting information in an organization.
Answer: C
Explanation: Formal communication networks are systems designed by management to dictate who should talk to whom to get a job done.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
48) The definition for a formal communication network is
A) a system designed by management that determines who talks to whom to get a job done.
B) management by walking around.
C) downward communication.
D) interacting with people who share your career interests and can help you find jobs.
Answer: A
Explanation: Formal communication networks are systems designed by management to dictate who should talk to whom to get a job done.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
49) Formal communication networks in organizations can be described by all of the following EXCEPT
A) information sent through formal networks tends to be believed less than information heard through informal networks.
B) formal networks embody management's idea of who ought to communicate to whom on the job.
C) formal networks are workplace communication flows as described in organizational charts.
D) formal networks are the most rapid form of communication in an organization.
Answer: D
Explanation: Informal communication networks are typically faster, and often more dependable, than formal channels.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
50) Sonakshi was just asked to send an e-mail to all of the company's department heads with information on this year's budget. To identify the department heads, Sonakshi should use
A) instrumental communication.
B) communication channels.
C) the organizational chart.
D) networking.
Answer: C
Explanation: An organizational chart describes the formal chain of command in a business or other organization and will identify who is in charge of each department.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
51) Which of the following is NOT an example of downward communication?
A) A supervisor explains to an employee why a new set of procedures is being implemented.
B) An employee talks to a coworker in a sneering tone of voice.
C) The CEO of a company presents a motivational speech to all the sales representatives.
D) The HR manager gives a presentation to her staff about a new procedure.
Answer: B
Explanation: Downward communication refers to messages sent from supervisors to their subordinates.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
52) Gary is dean of students at Cascades University. He has just e-mailed to explain what everyone's responsibilities will be during orientation. Gary has engaged in ________ communication.
A) lateral
B) downward
C) synchronous
D) informal
Answer: B
Explanation: This is an example of downward communication, in which a leader in an organization sends a message to people at a lower level than him or her within that organization.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
53) Effective downward communication
A) can be used to give employees feedback about their performance.
B) is unnecessary when things are running well in an organization.
C) is delivered too frequently by most managers.
D) takes very little time or effort.
Answer: A
Explanation: Downward communication is used to provide instructions, feedback, motivation, etc.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
54) All of the following are effective ways to gain recognition from your boss except
A) tell the boss that you deserve most of the credit for what was a team project.
B) have quality writing that expresses your ideas printed in the company newsletter.
C) thank coworkers who help you with projects.
D) present creative proposals to your boss.
Answer: A
Explanation: Tell the boss about your accomplishments, but do not brag or make exaggerated claims.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
55) Research has shown that many supervisors provide their employees with
A) too little feedback.
B) too much feedback.
C) around the right amount of feedback.
D) little or no feedback.
Answer: A
Explanation: Research has shown that many supervisors provide their employees with too little feedback.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
56) Three nurses from the evening shift at the Holy Heart Hospital told their supervisor their ideas for some new procedures that would improve the way patients' needs are tracked. The supervisor listened to the nurses' suggestions and implemented them. The nurses' suggestions illustrate
A) downward communication.
B) upward communication.
C) horizontal communication.
D) inappropriate communication.
Answer: B
Explanation: Upward communication refers to messages flowing from subordinates to superiors.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
57) Upward communication
A) may be risky for employees.
B) usually involves criticism.
C) is avoided by effective managers.
D) is usually open and honest.
Answer: A
Explanation: Honest upward communication can be difficult and risky.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
58) An open-door policy and suggestion boxes are examples of ways to encourage
A) upward communication.
B) downward communication.
C) lateral communication.
D) horizontal communication.
Answer: A
Explanation: A boss can encourage honest upward communication by providing an open-door policy, periodic interviews, suggestions boxes, and the like.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
59) A subordinate makes suggestions to her supervisor about ways to improve work conditions. This is an example of
A) downward communication.
B) social communication.
C) horizontal communication.
D) upward communication.
Answer: D
Explanation: Upward communication refers to messages flowing from subordinates to superiors.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
60) Employees who feel free to express dissenting ideas to their bosses without fear of reprimand are often more ________ than those who do not feel free to express dissent.
A) satisfied
B) dissatisfied
C) ornery
D) complacent
Answer: A
Explanation: The most satisfied employees are typically those who feel free to express dissent to their bosses without reprimand.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
61) Inés is the manager of large retail store. She wants to improve upward communication at her store. Which of the following actions would be most effective in accomplishing this?
A) instituting a formal procedure for employees to report grievances
B) chatting with employees about their concerns when she runs into them in the break room
C) listening to an employee's concerns about shift scheduling and making changes to address them
D) announcing an open-door policy, where any employee can come to her office to speak with her
Answer: C
Explanation: To improve upward communication, employees need to see a real willingness to hear their messages, both good and bad. Listening to an employee's concerns about shift scheduling and making changes to address them accomplishes this.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
62) Franz is writing a magazine advertisement for a new brand of soap. Roksana will be handling the illustrations to go with the advertisement. Franz e-mails Roksana and asks, "When is the latest I can deliver the text to you and still give you enough time to complete the ad?" The primary purpose of this e-mail is
A) conflict resolution.
B) task coordination.
C) building rapport.
D) problem solving.
Answer: B
Explanation: This is an example of horizontal communication for task coordination.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
63) After successfully meeting their big deadline, Wendell and his teammates spend the rest of the afternoon chatting with each other and reminiscing about the project. This is primarily an example of which purpose of horizontal communication?
A) rapport building
B) sharing information
C) conflict resolution
D) task coordination
Answer: A
Explanation: This is primarily an example of how horizontal communication can be used to build rapport.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
64) All of the following elements discourage effective horizontal communication EXCEPT
A) information overload.
B) physical barriers.
C) rivalry between individuals or groups.
D) cross-training employees in several areas.
Answer: D
Explanation: Rivalry, information overload, physical barriers, and specialization can discourage horizontal communication.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
65) The owner of a small car dealership wanted to find a way to discourage the amount of horizontal communication that was occurring among salesmen because he (mistakenly) thought their conversations were reducing the company's sales levels. He implemented a bonus plan that required sales personnel to compete against one another to keep their jobs. In the above example, which of the following forms of discouragement is the owner using to limit horizontal communication at his company?
A) rivalry
B) specialization
C) information overload
D) physical barriers
Answer: A
Explanation: Rivalry among coworkers can discourage effective horizontal communication.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Analyze
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
66) International Consultants LLC has offices in 10 major cities around the world. A typical employee communications with an employee at another locations only when there is a specific reason for the two of them to talk. This demonstrates the impact of ________ on horizontal communication.
A) information overload
B) specialization
C) rivalry
D) physical barriers
Answer: D
Explanation: The widely scattered locations in this example are a physical barrier to horizontal communication.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
67) Even when employees want to collaborate and are given opportunities to do so, if their work requires unusually detailed knowledge and skills, then ________ may limit their ability to communicate.
A) specialization
B) rivalry
C) information overload
D) physical barriers
Answer: A
Explanation: People with different technical specialties may have a difficult time understanding each other.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Formal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
68) Jacinthe is on the design team at Panther Motorcycles. Her sister, Blanche, works in the mail room. Thanks to the relationship between Blanche and Jacinthe, everyone in the mail room stays up-to-date on the newest designs, even though they do not need to know about them to do their jobs. This is an example of communication through
A) relational communication.
B) multiple channels.
C) an organizational chart.
D) an informal network.
Answer: D
Explanation: This is an example of communication through an informal network. Jacinthe relays design information to her sister, who passes it on to her coworkers in the mail room, even though there is no formal, official reason for this communication to take place.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Informal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
69) Informal communication includes all of the following EXCEPT
A) the grapevine.
B) a comment about your boss that you overhear as you walk down the hall.
C) performance appraisals.
D) conversations around the water cooler.
Answer: C
Explanation: Performance appraisals are part of the formal communication network of an organization.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Informal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
70) Maria and Adnan work in different departments of the same company. They discovered that it was much quicker to e-mail each other for information they needed from each other's departments than to wait for the official company newsletter to arrive. This is an example of the ________ function of informal communication.
A) confirming
B) expanding
C) expediting
D) contradicting
Answer: C
Explanation: Informal communication can expedite official messages.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Informal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
71) The CEO has promised all employees a 5% raise next year if they will forego a raise this year. The CEO's administrative assistant tells you during a coffee break that there will probably be no raise next year either, despite the CEO's promises. The assistant's words illustrate the ________ function of informal communication.
A) contradicting
B) confirming
C) expediting
D) circumscribing
Answer: A
Explanation: Informal communication can contradict official messages.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Informal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
72) Communication through informal networks in an organization
A) is slower than communication through formal communication networks.
B) is always less dependable than communication through formal channels.
C) sometimes contradicts information received through formal networks.
D) hinders innovation.
Answer: C
Explanation: Informal communication sometimes contradicts official messages.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Informal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
73) Which of the following individuals is most likely to be excluded from the informal communication network in a typical workplace?
A) Kylie, a White woman
B) Sun, a Korean American woman
C) Alonzo, an African American man
D) Diego, a Hispanic man
Answer: B
Explanation: Research has found that women are more likely to be excluded from informal networks than men and that this difference is especially pronounced for minority women.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Informal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
74) Organizational decision makers tend to base their decisions on
A) written recommendations from their direct reports.
B) office gossip and rumors.
C) verbal information from trusted associates.
D) published government statistics.
Answer: C
Explanation: Organizational decision makers tend to base their decisions on verbal information from trusted associates.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Informal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
75) Moira is the CEO of a consumer products manufacturer. She wants to boost creativity among her employees in the hopes that they will have new ideas that can benefit the company. Which of the following is a way to use informal communication to achieve Moira's goal?
A) having the company sponsor clubs that any employee can join
B) ordering each business division to submit its best idea to her
C) having supervisors tell their subordinates that creativity is a top company priority
D) establishing a suggestion box outside her office that anyone can use
Answer: A
Explanation: Sponsoring clubs that any employee can join will encourage the sort of informal employee interactions that can lead to creative new ideas.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Informal Communication Networks
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
76) Networking refers to
A) tennis tournaments run by the organization.
B) developing contacts to gain career information and to help others in their careers.
C) paying more attention to your boss than to your administrative assistant.
D) comparing several software programs and selecting the best one.
Answer: B
Explanation: Networking is a communication strategy in which you deliberately develop social networks related to your career.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Personal Networking
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
77) Which of the following websites is specifically designed for business networking?
A) Google
B) Facebook
C) LinkedIn
D) Bloomberg
Answer: C
Explanation: LinkedIn is designed for business networking.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Personal Networking
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
78) The Young Entrepreneur's Club holds a meeting once a month at local restaurant where businesspeople come together and meet each other. There is no particular agenda, but many attendees have found that the meetings yield valuable career information and business leads. The purpose of these meetings is
A) informal communication.
B) networking.
C) lateral communication.
D) identity management.
Answer: B
Explanation: The purpose of a meeting like this is networking. It provides an opportunity for people to meet each other and to learn valuable career information.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Personal Networking
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
79) Doyle has recently graduated with a degree in chemistry and has taken a job as a research scientist at a plastics manufacturer. The type of personal network that is likely to be most helpful to Doyle's career is a network
A) of the most influential and important figures in his company.
B) of good friends and family who know Doyle well.
C) made up of a wide variety of people from many different organizations.
D) primarily consisting of respected chemists and engineers.
Answer: C
Explanation: The key to successful personal networking is to have a wide and diverse network that incorporates all kinds of people.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Personal Networking
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
80) If you want to cultivate your informal networks in an organization, you should
A) treat people at all levels of the organization with gratitude and respect.
B) nurture friendships primarily with those who are in top management positions.
C) guard your expertise by keeping valuable information to yourself.
D) impress your coworkers by describing how you were able to gain some special privileges.
Answer: A
Explanation: To cultivate your informal networks, treat people at all levels of the organization with gratitude and respect.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Personal Networking
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
81) Odette is the administrative assistant for Nora, the president of Nora's Candies. Nora has many demands on her time, and it is often up to Odette to decide who meets with Nora and when these meetings take place. This makes Odette a ________ for Nora.
A) gatekeeper
B) subordinate
C) receiver
D) channel
Answer: A
Explanation: Odette's relationship with Nora is that of a gatekeeper, someone who controls access to another person.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Personal Networking
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
82) Eliza was having lunch with some friends when one of them mentioned that they were considering having a new home built. Eliza said, "Do you need an architect? My friend Ursula has designed several beautiful homes. Let me give you her number." In this example, Eliza is engaged in
A) formal communication.
B) networking.
C) gatekeeping.
D) upward communication.
Answer: B
Explanation: Bringing together two people who might benefit from knowing each other is an example of networking to help others.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Personal Networking
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
83) All of the following methods are recommended for cultivating personal networks EXCEPT
A) express appreciation when others give you helpful information.
B) put people in touch who might benefit from knowing one another.
C) gather secondary referrals from your personal acquaintances.
D) trust only those employees who hold positions higher than yours.
Answer: D
Explanation: To cultivate your informal networks, interact with people at all levels of the organization.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Personal Networking
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
84) Steve teaches science at an elementary school. He mentioned to his brother, Jason, that he had hoped to have a scientist come in to the class and talk about their work, but he had not been able to get anyone to agree to do this. It turned out that Jason's wife's cousin, Olivia, is a zoologist. Jason put the two of them in touch, and Olivia agreed to come visit the class. In this example, Olivia is a
A) mentor.
B) gatekeeper.
C) secondary source.
D) personal friend.
Answer: C
Explanation: Olivia is a secondary source in this example, someone whom Steve came in contact with via a contact of his own.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Personal Networking
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
85) Lauren has recently graduated from college and is just getting started working as an editor at a magazine. One of her coworkers, Patricia, has years of experience doing this work. She checks in with Lauren regularly, explaining how to get things done at their magazine, giving her editing advice, and making suggestions on how Lauren can advance her career. In this example, Patricia is Lauren's
A) supervisor.
B) gatekeeper.
C) mentor.
D) teacher.
Answer: C
Explanation: A mentor is someone with firsthand experience working at an organization or in a particular field who provides someone with less experience with guidance.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Personal Networking
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Understand
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
86) One rule that should guide a mentoring relationship is
A) a woman should not seek a mentor because it may create the impression that she lacks confidence.
B) ask your mentor to help you when you are seeking promotion.
C) build an empathic relationship with your mentor by sharing personal information.
D) if your mentor shares personal insights with you, keep them confidential.
Answer: D
Explanation: Treat any personal information your mentor shares with you as confidential.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Personal Networking
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
87) It is appropriate for you to ask your mentor to
A) teach you the informal rules of your organization.
B) help you get a promotion.
C) intervene on your behalf with your boss.
D) provide emotional support during difficult times.
Answer: A
Explanation: One of the roles of a mentor is to teach their protégé the informal rules of their organization.
Topic: Communicating in and Beyond Organizations: Personal Networking
Learning Objective: 01-03 Describe how formal and informal communication networks operate in a given situation in your career field; then create a strategic plan of personal networking to accomplish your goals within an organization.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
88) Ethical behavior is
A) a matter of following your employer's formal guidelines.
B) clear in most business situations.
C) a low priority for many businesses.
D) an essential part of being an effective employee.
Answer: D
Explanation: Ethical behavior is an essential part of being an effective employee.
Topic: Ethical Dimensions of Communication
Learning Objective: 01-04 Apply the concepts of ethical communication discussed here to one or more ethically challenging situations.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
89) The utilitarian approach to communication ethics considers communication to be ethical if
A) you treat others as you would want to be treated.
B) you would be judged as ethical by a board of your professional peers.
C) you would be judged as ethical by the public if it appeared on a prime-time broadcast.
D) an act brings good to a majority of people over time.
Answer: D
Explanation: The utilitarian approach to communication ethics asks, "Does this action provide the greatest good for the greatest number?"
Topic: Ethical Dimensions of Communication
Learning Objective: 01-04 Apply the concepts of ethical communication discussed here to one or more ethically challenging situations.
Bloom's: Remember
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
90) Dmitri doesn't like Val, one of his coworkers. Dmitri started to send an e-mail to his workgroup, falsely accusing Val of stealing company supplies. Before clicking "Send," Dmitri reread his message. He decided to delete the message instead of sending it, fearing that his work team members might consider his e-mail to be inappropriate. Which ethical consideration did Dmitri use in his decision to behave in a principled manner?
A) publicity test
B) common-good approach
C) professional ethic
D) utilitarian approach
Answer: C
Explanation: The professional ethic asks, "How would this action be judged by an impartial jury of your professional peers"?
Topic: Ethical Dimensions of Communication
Learning Objective: 01-04 Apply the concepts of ethical communication discussed here to one or more ethically challenging situations.
Bloom's: Analyze
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Gradable: automatic
91) Jordan had planned to deliver a persuasive speech encouraging his classmates to buy Hummers so they could be "cool." After researching his topic, however, Jordan decided to encourage his classmates to use public transit instead, because he felt that this choice would help reduce U.S. dependency on oil and contribute to bluer skies for future generations. When Jordan chooses communication intended to bring the greatest good to the greatest number of people over time, he is using the ________ to guide his communication.
A) professional ethic
B) utilitarian approach
C) justice approach
