Communication in Business

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Questions and Answers

According to the transactional process model, what are potential barriers to understanding in a face-to-face communication encounter?

Developing a response instead of listening

Being preoccupied with other matters (correct)

Sending information both orally and nonverbally

Interpreting nonverbal signals

What percentage of information in a face-to-face encounter may be sent nonverbally?

70%

10%

50%

90% (correct)

What does the transactional process model illustrate?

The challenges of encoding and decoding messages

The importance of effective business communication

The complexity of the communication process (correct)

The role of nonverbal communication

What is a major determinant of career success in many fields according to studies of executives?

Effective business communication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of communication in the workplace?

To criticize Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate objective of the communication process?

To achieve goals Signup and view all the answers

Which contextual force can influence the process of business communication?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What are the three basic purposes of communication?

To inform, to persuade, to entertain Signup and view all the answers

Which type of communication flows from supervisor to employee, policy makers to operating personnel, or from top to bottom on the organizational chart?

Downward communication Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of upward communication?

Progress reports Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the assumptions about downward communication?

Written messages tend to become larger as they move downward through organizational levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the grapevine in an organization?

To counteract errors and false information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of formal communication?

It flows according to the organizational chart. Signup and view all the answers

What is the grapevine in an organization?

A network of informal communication. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a misconception about the grapevine?

It is a highly accurate source of information. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the advantages of using the grapevine for communication?

It can provide early information before formal channels. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of communication network is commonly referred to as 'the grapevine'?

Informal communication network Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the formal communication network in an organization?

To define individual and group relationships Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to check for understanding when communicating important messages to unfamiliar audiences?

To ensure that the information is received as intended Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of physical interferences in the communication process?

To hinder the communication process Signup and view all the answers

Which type of communication is primarily feedback to the requests and actions of supervisors?

Upward communication Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major shortcomings of organizational charts in recognizing communication relationships?

They do not recognize the role of lateral communication Signup and view all the answers

Which level of communication involves interactions between organizational units on the same hierarchical level?

Horizontal communication Signup and view all the answers

What are messages intended for recipients within the organization called?

Internal messages Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a communication level according to the text?

Supervisory Signup and view all the answers

What are the four important contextual forces that influence the communication process today?

Hierarchy, organization, nature, definition Signup and view all the answers

Which goal is NOT mentioned in the text as a communication goal within a group?

Achievement goal Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of organizational communication?

To reach out to the public Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of interpersonal communication?

To communicate between two people Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about intrapersonal communication?

It is not considered communication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of interpersonal intelligence?

The ability to read and understand others Signup and view all the answers

What are the two basic need levels associated with interpersonal intelligence?

Physical needs and safety needs Signup and view all the answers

Which group size is thought to be best for decision-making and problem-solving tasks?

Groups of 5 to 7 members Signup and view all the answers

Why are odd numbers of members often preferred in groups?

Odd numbers prevent tie votes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cross-disciplinary teams in organizations?

To perform broad core processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of effective meeting management?

To ensure productive and efficient meetings Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of trust and disclosure relate to in business communication?

Building relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of nonverbal messages in communication?

To express emotions and attitudes Signup and view all the answers

What are some factors that can affect group and team communication?

Group size and composition Signup and view all the answers

What are the three upper-level needs that people progress to satisfy?

Social needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Barriers to Understanding in Face-to-Face Communication

Potential barriers to understanding in face-to-face communication encounters include physical, psychological, and semantic barriers.
Nonverbal cues can send up to 93% of information in a face-to-face encounter.

Transactional Process Model

The transactional process model illustrates the dynamic and reciprocal nature of communication.
It involves the simultaneous sending and receiving of messages.

Determinants of Career Success

A major determinant of career success in many fields is effective communication.

Purposes of Communication

The three basic purposes of communication are to inform, persuade, and entertain.
Communication in the workplace serves to exchange information, resolve conflicts, and build relationships.

Communication Flows

Downward communication flows from supervisor to employee, policy makers to operating personnel, or from top to bottom on the organizational chart.
Upward communication involves employees providing feedback to supervisors or managers.
Lateral communication involves interactions between organizational units on the same hierarchical level.

Grapevine and Formal Communication

The grapevine is an informal communication network that exists in organizations.
The purpose of the grapevine is to fill the gaps in formal communication.
One advantage of using the grapevine for communication is that it allows for faster dissemination of information.
The formal communication network is used to achieve organizational goals and objectives.

Importance of Checking for Understanding

It is important to check for understanding when communicating important messages to unfamiliar audiences to avoid misunderstandings.

Physical Interferences in Communication

Physical interferences can disrupt the communication process.

Communication Levels and Networks

Organizational charts often fail to recognize communication relationships between units.
Horizontal communication involves interactions between organizational units on the same hierarchical level.
Internal messages are intended for recipients within the organization.
The grapevine is a type of communication network that is commonly referred to as 'the grapevine'.

Contextual Forces Influencing Communication

The four important contextual forces that influence the communication process today are globalization, technology, diversity, and ethics.

Goals of Communication

The purpose of organizational communication is to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
The role of interpersonal communication is to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and exchange information.
Intraperasonal communication involves self-reflection and personal growth.

Communication in Groups

Cross-disciplinary teams are used in organizations to bring together people with diverse expertise.
Effective meeting management involves planning, facilitating, and following up on meetings.
Trust and disclosure are essential in building strong relationships in business communication.
Nonverbal messages can convey attitudes, emotions, and intentions.

Factors Affecting Group and Team Communication

Factors that can affect group and team communication include team size, diversity, and conflict.
Odd numbers of members are often preferred in groups to avoid deadlocks.
The concept of trust and disclosure relates to building strong relationships in business communication.

Interpersonal Intelligence

Interpersonal intelligence involves the ability to understand and navigate complex social relationships.
The two basic need levels associated with interpersonal intelligence are affiliation and intimacy.
Interpersonal intelligence is characterized by empathy, persuasion, and conflict management.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

The three upper-level needs that people progress to satisfy are self-esteem, belonging, and self-actualization.

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Description

This quiz tests your knowledge on various forms of communication within a company, including company news releases, feedback, meetings, emails, procedures, the company intranet, and the grapevine. It also focuses on upward communication, which is a response to requests from supervisors. Prepare yourself by studying Chapter 1 of "Establishing a Framework for Business Communication."