18 Questions
What is a major drawback of serial communication in an organization?
The content and tone of the message change as it moves from person to person
What is a common reason why employees may not communicate openly with managers in an organization?
Fear of being threatened by managers
What is a benefit of having an 'open door' policy in an organization?
It allows employees to speak directly to management, leading to improved job satisfaction
What is a key factor that influences the quality of upward communication in an organization?
The level of employee job satisfaction
What is the primary reason why effective communication is essential in an organization?
To ensure that ideas, knowledge, and opinions are shared with others
What is a potential consequence of ineffective upward communication in an organization?
Delayed transmission of bad news and complaints
In organizations with unionized employees, who typically handles the role of an ombudsperson?
A union steward
What is a key method of keeping employees informed and communicating vital information?
Downward communication
What is the primary purpose of bulletin boards in an organization?
To provide nonwork-related information
Where is important information typically posted in an organization?
Policy manuals
What is an advantage of electronic bulletin boards?
They allow for the display of more current information
Why may bulletin boards not be effective at communicating important information?
Important information gets lost among nonwork-related information
What is a major drawback of serial communication in informal communication channels?
It is less effective the farther away two people are from one another
What is MUM in the context of communication?
Minimize Unpleasant Effect
What is the purpose of attitude surveys in an organization?
All of the above
Why are focus groups conducted in an organization?
To gather opinions and suggestions from employees
What is essential to increase trust when sharing survey results with employees?
Sharing all survey results
Why are attitude surveys only useful if an organization takes the results seriously?
Because results need to be addressed to bring about positive change
Study Notes
Job Satisfaction and Communication
- Satisfied and committed employees are more likely to go the extra mile.
- Effective communication is essential for employees, managers, clients, and consultants.
- Communication is crucial for sharing ideas, knowledge, and opinions.
Types of Communication in Organizations
Upward Communication
- Communication from subordinates to superiors or employees to managers.
- Ideal upward communication involves direct and open communication in an "open door" policy environment.
- Upward communication is a significant factor in employee job satisfaction.
- Serial communication is used in many organizations, where the message is relayed from employee to supervisor to top executive.
- Drawbacks of serial communication include:
- Message content and tone change as it moves from person to person.
- Bad news and complaints are often delayed due to the stress associated with delivering bad news.
- In organizations with unions, the union steward handles the job of an ombudsperson, but may have a difficult time solving problems due to perceived bias.
Downward Communication
- Communication from superiors to subordinates or management to employees.
- Downward communication is key for keeping employees informed and communicating vital information needed for their jobs.
- Methods of downward communication include:
- Bulletin boards, which are low-cost and have wide exposure, but are not suitable for posting important information.
- Electronic bulletin boards, which allow for more current information to be displayed.
- Policy manuals, which contain all the rules employees must operate under.
Minimizing Unpleasant Effect (MUM)
- Reluctance to relay bad news, which negatively affects the organization by keeping important information from reaching upper levels.
Other Methods of Upward Communication
- Attitude surveys, which are usually conducted annually by an outside consultant, to gauge employee opinions and suggestions.
- Focus groups and exit interviews, which provide an opportunity for employees to share their opinions and suggestions.
Test your knowledge of organizational communication, including upward, downward, lateral, and diagonal communication. Learn how effective communication is essential for employee satisfaction and commitment.
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