Business Com CH 1

An American businessperson who thinks that all Swiss are hardworking, efficient, and neat is demonstrating an example of Select one: a. Stereotyping b. Tolerance c. a Cultural norm d. Ethnocentrism

A

Communicators from North America, Scandinavia, and Germany tend to be logical, analytical, and action oriented. They also depend little on the context of a situation to convey their meaning. These communicators represent what kind of culture? Select one: a. Low-context b. Ancient c. Primitive d. High-context

A

Nonverbal communication includes Select one: a. all unwritten and unspoken messages, intended or not. b. only cues that reveal agreement with or contradiction of the verbal message c. only eye contact and facial expressions that support the meaning of the words d. only body language and gestures that accompany a spoken message

A

Which spatial zone is the largest? Select one: a. Public b. Social c. Personal d. Intimate

A

Benefits of Diverse Workforce

A diverse staff is better able to respond to the increasingly diverse customer base in local and world markets. Suffer fewer discrimination lawsuits, fewer union clashes and less government regulatory action. Diversity is a critical bottom-line business strategy to improve employee relationships and to increase productivity. Developing a diverse staff that can work together cooperatively is one of the biggest challenges facing business organizations today.

Communication Style

Americans and Germans - words are very important, especially in contracts and negotiations. High context countries place more emphasis on the surrounding context than on the words describing a negotiation. Greek may see a contract as a formal statement announcing the intention to build a business for the future. Japaneses may treat contracts as statements of intention, and they assume changes will be made as projects develop. Mexicans may treat contracts as artistic exercises of what might be accomplished in an ideal world. They do not necessarily expect contracts to apply consistently in the real world. An Arab may be insulted by merely mentioning a contract; a person's word is more binding. North Americans value straightforwardness, are suspicious of evasiveness, and distrust people who might have a "hidden agenda" or who "play their cards too close to the chest." North Americans tend to be uncomfortable with silence and impatient with delays. Asian businesspeople have learned that the longer they drag out negotiations, the more concessions impatient North Americans are likely to make.

Most Americans communicate with business associates at approximately 1½ feet.

Answer: False According to anthropologist Edward T. Hall, Americans communicate with intimate friends and family, not business associates, at approximately 1½ feet.

Only managers and business executives need strong communication skills.

Answer: False Employees at all levels and in all fields will need strong communication skills in today's information-driven society.

Employees in today's workforce must learn to write only e-mails effectively.

Answer: False Employees in today's workforce must be prepared to communicate with the public and within a company by using a variety of media such as e-mail, instant messaging, texting, blogs, wikis, and social media sites.

Psychological barriers to listening include hearing disabilities, poor acoustics, and noisy surroundings.

Answer: False Physical, not psychological, barriers include hearing disabilities, poor acoustics, and noisy surroundings. Psychological barriers occur because we each bring a unique set of cultural, ethical, and personal values to the communication process.

Which of the following countries would likely view a business contract as a binding document?

Answer: Germany Because members of a low-context culture such as Germany consider words in contracts to be precise, important, and constant, they view contracts differently than will members of high-context cultures like Mexico, Greece, and Japan.

Recruiters often rank communication skills as the highest skill set sought by employers.

Answer: True In a poll of recruiters, oral and written communication skills were by a large margin the top skill set sought by employers.

Max is preparing a contract between his company and one in Mexico. What should he do when citing numbers in the contract?

Answer: a. Use the metric system. Max should express numbers as figures using the metric system. He should also convert dollar figures into local currency and avoid using figures to express months. For clarity, he should instead spell out the month.

Nonverbal communication includes

Answer: a. all unwritten and unspoken messages, intended or not. Nonverbal communication is all communication except the actual words (verbal communication). Body language, eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions are only a part of nonverbal communication.

When speaking with someone for whom English is a second language, you should talk slowly, enunciate clearly, check frequently for comprehension, observe eye messages, listen without interrupting, and

Answer: a. follow up important messages in writing. When exchanging important information with someone for whom English is a second language, you should confirm the results and agreements in writing.

Every country has a unique culture or common heritage that

Answer: a. teaches its members how to behave and conditions their reactions. Every country has a unique culture or common heritage that teaches its members how to behave and conditions their reactions. This culture or common heritage has nothing to do with a common gene pool, formal education, or laws.

Which of the following is not an element of the communication process? a...Displaying empathy b...Selecting a communication channel c...Providing feedback d...Forming an idea

Answer: a...Displaying empathy

Which of the following countries would likely view a business contract as a binding document? a...Germany b...Mexico c...Japan d...Greece

Answer: a...Germany

Which of the following statements about today's business environments is most accurate?

Answer: c. Many employees today no longer need an office; they can work anytime and anywhere. Technological advances have allowed today's employees to work anytime and anywhere with just a mobile phone and a wireless computer, causing the number of telecommuting employees to increase.

Which of the following is not a dimension of culture?

Answer: c. Tolerance The five dimensions of culture include context, individualism, time orientation, power distance, and communication style.

Which of the following is a benefit of a diverse work environment?

Answer: d. All are benefits of a diverse work environment. Diverse organizations create products demanded by consumers and experience improved employee relationships and increased productivity. In addition, organizations that promote diversity suffer fewer discrimination lawsuits, fewer union clashes, and less government regulatory action.

Which of the following countries represents a high-context culture?

Answer: d. Japan Japan, along with China and Arab countries, is a high-context culture.

Communicators from North America, Scandinavia, and Germany tend to be logical, analytical, and action oriented. They also depend little on the context of a situation to convey their meaning. These communicators represent what kind of culture?

Answer: d. Low-context Communicators in low-context cultures tend to be logical, analytical, and action oriented. They depend little on the context of a situation to convey meaning.

Major trends in today's dynamic world of work include increased emphasis on self-directed work groups and virtual teams, heightened global competition, innovative communication technologies, new work environments, and focus on

Answer: d. business ethics. Because of recent publicized business scandals, companies are now eager to regain public trust and to build ethical environments. Many businesses have written ethical mission statements, installed hotlines, and appointed compliance officers to ensure strict adherence to standards and legislation.

Which of the following countries represents a high-context culture? A) Germany B) United States C) Norway D) Japan

Answer: d...Japan

Which of the following statements about nonverbal communication is most accurate? a...Nonverbal communication applies to only intended messages. b...Nonverbal communication comprises very little of a message that is sent or received. c...When verbal and nonverbal messages contradict, receivers believe that the verbal message is more accurate. d...Meanings of nonverbal behaviors are often influenced by the communication context and by one's culture.

Answer: d...Meanings of nonverbal behaviors are often influenced by the communication context and by one's culture.

Which of the following statements is most accurate? a...Today's use of digital media requires less written communication. b...The need for well-written messages has declined in today's workforce. c...Employers rank soft skills as less valuable than hard skills. d...Social media are playing an increasingly prominent role in business.

Answer: d...Social media are playing an increasingly prominent role in business.

Which of the following is not a dimension of culture? A...Time orientation b...Individualism c...Power distance d...Tolerance

Answer: d...Tolerance

According to research, what percentage of our work time is spent listening? Select one: a. 10 percent b. 50 percent c.90 percent d.25 percent

B

In which spatial zone do most people converse with friends and family members? Select one: a. Social b. Intimate c. Personal d. Public

B

Which of the following is not a dimension of culture? select one: a .Individualism b. Tolerance c. Power distance d. Time orientation

B

Which statement about the effect of social media and communication technology on culture is most accurate?

Because of social media, communicators can now reach out to larger and more varied audiences than in the past Because of social media, communicators can now reach out to larger and more varied audiences than in the past. Therefore, social media offers the potential for intercultural engagement, which explains the reason why those who design media appeal to each market. However, social media can deepen feelings of isolation and make interpersonal communication more difficult because all contact is mediated electronically.

Determine whether the bold term is a proper or common noun. The president of the Association of Accounting Students is a junior.

Common noun; Proper nouns name specific persons, places, or things and are always capitalized. All other nouns are common and are not capitalized.President is not a specific name and is a common noun.

Identify whether the bold term is an abstract or concrete noun. The administrative assistant prepared the executive briefing.

Concrete noun; Concrete nouns name specific objects that can be seen, heard, felt, tasted, or smelled. Abstract nouns name ideas, qualities, or concepts. Executive briefing is a concrete noun.

identify which dimension is described in the following case. North Americans value explicit communication and clearly articulated messages.

Context; North Americans operate in a low-context culture. Messages are expected to be explicit, and listeners rely exclusively on the written or spoken word rather than non-verbal context cues.

Chandra needs to participate in an important conference call and plans to use active listening skills. She shuts down her computer, turns off her smartphone, and tells her assistant to hold all incoming calls for the next hour. What technique is Chandra using to improve her listening?

Controlling her surroundings; Active listeners strive to do all of these, but Chandra is focusing on controlling her surroundings by removing as many competing sounds and distractions as possible.

__________ can be defined as "the complex system of values, traits, morals, and customs shared by a society, region, or country."

Culture can be defined as "the complex system of values, traits, morals, and customs shared by a society, region, or country." Every country has a unique culture that affects how individuals think, behave, and communicate.

According to researchers, most people listen at what level of proficiency? Select one: a.75 percent b.100 percent c.5 percent d.25-50 percent

D

Culture

Defined as the complex system of values, traits, morals, and customs shared by a society, region or country

Valerie, an HR manager at a telecommunications company, has been asked to review the company's policies for hiring contractors to ensure those policies comply with the company's ethical mission statement

Emphasis on ethics; As industries shift to outsourcing more work, many businesses are concerned with ensuring that they are adhering to ethical and legal standards when it comes to their hiring practices.

Identify a tip that would help Diane listen more effectively to her team.

Establish a receptive mind-set; Diane can improve her listening and productivity by establishing a receptive mind-set to foster positive communication.

Individualism

European Americans - African Americans - less so individualistic. An attitude of independence and freedom from control. North Americans (low context) tend to value individualism. They believe that initiative and self-assertion result in personal achievement. They believe in individual action and personal responsibility, desire much freedom in their personal lives.

Because of today's communication technology, employees in today's workforce can expect to write fewer messages.

False

Businesses that want to capitalize on cultural diversity need to train workers to think and act alike to reduce conflicts.

False

Most people are good listener

False

Ryan has an upcoming business meeting with a person from Germany. Because Ryan has never met this person, he is worried about traveling there to do business for his company. Ryan could reduce his worry by assuming that his German associate is similar to him.

False

Most people listen at 75 percent efficiency, which means they remember only 75 percent of what they hear.

False; Unfortunately, most people are poor listeners. Most people listen at only 25 percent efficiency, which means they remember only 25 percent of what they hear. Practicing the tips provided in your text will help you surpass that percentage

Read the following scenario, and answer the question. Mr. Youngher arrives at his interview for a community relations internship with Bethlehem Electric in Chicago five minutes late and in a rumpled suit. When he is introduced to the chief marketing officer, Mr. Youngher moves in close as they shake hands and winks. The executive takes a step back. How could Mr. Youngher have improved his chances at making a positive impression at his interview?

He should have been well groomed and punctual, and he should have respected the cultural norms regarding territory and space in United States culture.; To have had a more successful interview, Mr. Youngher should have been aware of the message his nonverbal cues were sending. He should have been on time, well groomed, and respectful of the personal space of the marketing executive.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables are shipped in from Chile and sold in the United States along with domestically grown produce.

Heightened global competition

Poornima looks over her notes about conversational customs in Europe, and then she carefully plans what time she'll place a business call to Zurich.

Heightened global competition; As American companies move beyond domestic markets, it is becoming more important to develop intercultural communication skills. Other cultures often have different views of how business is conducted, and successful cross-cultural communications requires not just knowledge of customs, but also intercultural sensitivity, flexibility, and patience.

South American African South European Arabian Asian

Higher Context -China, Japan, and Arab countries - assume that the listener does not need much background information.. Leader are more likely to be intuitive and contemplative. They may not take words literally - go on Nonverbal cues. Communication cues are transmitted by posture, voice inflection, gestures, and facial expression. Ten to prefer indirect verbal interaction Tend to understand meanings embedded at many sociocultural levels Are generally more proficient in reading nonverbal cues Value group membership Rely more on context and feeling Talk around point, avoid saying no Communicate in sometimes simple, sometimes ambiguous messages Understand visual messages readily

Choose the best answer for the following. If you have an ethnocentric view of the world, you hold which expectation?

If you have an ethnocentric view of the world, you expect the rest of the world to follow your customs and share your values.

Which of the following best describes low-context cultures?

Individuals in low-context cultures tend to be logical, analytical, and action oriented.

Collectivist

Latinos are group oriented. Emphasize membership in organizations, groups and teams Encourage acceptance of group values, duties and decisions. Resit independence because it fosters competition and confrontation instead of consensus. Asian societies are group oriented - individualism and self assertion and individual decision-making are discouraged. The nail that sticks up gets pounded down.(Japanese) Business decisions are made by all who have competence in the matter under discussion. China prefers groups rather than on the individual - prefers a consultative management style over an autocratic style.

Written Communication with Intercultural Audience

Learn how documents are formatted and how letters are addressed and developed in the intended reader's country. Observe titles and rank - be polite. Hire a translator - If your document is important. Use short sentences and short paragraphs. Sentences with fewer than 20 words and paragraphs with fewer than 8 lines are more readable. Avoid ambiguous writing - Include relative pronouns (that, which, who) for clarity in introducing clauses. Stay away from contractions. Avoid idioms (once in a blue moon), slang, acronyms (ASAP), jargon and sports references. Use action specific words (buy a printer instead of get a printer) Cite numbers carefully - In international trade - learn and use the metric system. In citing numbers - use figures instead of spelling them out. Convert dollar figures into local currency. Spell out the month when writing dates

Swiss German Northern European American Australian

Lower Context - (North America, Scandinavia and Germany) depend little on the context of a situation to convey meaning. Messages must be explicit and listeners rely exclusively on the written or spoken word. Tend to be logical, analytical, and action oriented. Business communicators stress clearly articulated messages that they consider to be objective, professional and efficient. Words are taken literally. Tend to prefer direct verbal interaction Ten to understand meaning at only one sociocultural level Area generally less proficient in reading nonverbal cues Value individualism Rely more on logic Say no directly Communicate in highly structured, detailed messages with literal meanings Give authority to written information

Facial expressions, gestures, and posture can be almost as revealing as a person's eyes. Involuntary facial expressions can add to or detract from a message as much as gestures can. Understanding how your gestures influence the reception of your message is likely to do which of the following?

Make you a more compelling speaker

As part of a plan to emphasize a dynamic corporate culture at the Gagnier and Morris advertising company, Caroline has done away with traditional cubicles and replaced them with open-area, nonterritorial workspaces, or "hot desks." Nonterritorial workspaces, also known as "hot desks," are areas that are not assigned to a specific person. Since many employees now have flexible work arrangements in which they are not always in the office, it does not always make sense to tie people down to an assigned office or workspace. Up to 20% of the workforce now works remotely,

Nonterritorial workspaces, also known as "hot desks," are areas that are not assigned to a specific person. Since many employees now have flexible work arrangements in which they are not always in the office, it does not always make sense to tie people down to an assigned office or workspace. Up to 20% of the workforce now works remotely, so these types of arrangements can save companies money on real estate and help emphasize change for employees.

Read the following scenario, and answer the question that follows. Diane is part of a recently restructured team. Diane previously held a supervisory role in a different division; however, due to a company merger, she is now a new member of a team with no formal hierarchy. In meetings, Diane is often distracted by the fact that she is no longer leading the team, and she doesn't think her new coworkers really "get the big picture."

Nonverbal distractions, Faking attention, Psychological barriers; In meetings, Diane is encountering psychological barriers—she has preconceived notions of the qualifications of her coworkers and dwells on past situations, not on current issues.

Time Orientation

North Americans consider time a precious commodity.. They correlate time with productivity, efficiency and money. Keeping people waiting is considered rude and a waste of time. South Americans are more relaxed with time and may keep you waiting. People in Western Cultures tend to be more analytical, scheduling appointments in a 15-30 minute intervals. Eastern cultures plan fewer but longer meetings.

Which statement about communication skills in today's workplace is most accurate?

Oral and written communication skills are ranked as the top skill set sought by recruiters.

Stereotypes

Our perceptions of other cultures sometimes cause us to form stereotypes about groups of people. A stereotype is an oversimplified perception of a behavioral pattern or characteristic applied to entire groups. Example: The Swiss are hardworking, efficient, and neat Germans are formal, reserved and blunt Americans are loud, friendly and impatient Canadians are polite, trusting, and tolerant Asians are gracious, humble, and inscrutable These may or may not always be correct, look beneath the surface stereotypes and labels to discover individual personal qualities.

Jon is attending a business seminar, but he is having difficulty hearing the main speaker because people are talking in adjoining hallways. What type of barrier to effective listening is Jon experiencing?

Physical barrier; Physical barriers to effective listening include hearing disabilities, poor acoustics, and noisy surroundings.

Globalization has changed the nature of work. To communicate effectively in a global marketplace, you must understand the basic dimensions of culture: individualism, formality, communication style, and time orientation. The following examples describe a dimension of culture. Identify which dimension is described in the following case. Western cultures are more relaxed about social status, and input from subordinates is tolerated and even encouraged.

Power distance.; In Western cultures people are more relaxed about social status and the appearance of power. Relationships between high-powered individuals and people with little power tend to be more democratic, egalitarian, and informal.

Identify which dimension is described in the following case. Western cultures are more relaxed about social status, and input from subordinates is tolerated and even encouraged.

Power distance; In Western cultures people are more relaxed about social status and the appearance of power. Relationships between high-powered individuals and people with little power tend to be more democratic, egalitarian, and informal.

According to Edward T. Hall, which spatial zone is the largest?

Public

Context

Refers to the stimuli, environment, or ambience surrounding an event.

Which of the following is an appropriate strategy for communication in a diverse workplace?

Successful communicators learn about their cultural selves and seek diversity training to understand the value of differences between cultures.

Power Distance (Geert Hofstede)

The Power Distance Index measures how people in different societies cope with inequality - how they relate to more powerful individuals. In high power cultures, subordinates expect formal hierarchies and embrace relatively authoritarian, paternalistic power relationships. In low power distance cultures - subordinates consider themselves as equals of their supervisors. They confidently voice opinions and participate in decision making. Relationships between high-powered individuals and people with little power tend to be more democratic, egalitarian and information in these cultures. Western cultures are more relaxed about social status and the appearance of power. Deference is not paid to those of wealth, position, seniority, or age. In Asian countries - these characteristics are to be respected.

Which of the following statements is most accurate?

The average person remembers nearly three quarters of what he or she hears following a 10-minute presentation. We misinterpret, misunderstand, or change very little of what we hear. Very few management problems are related to listening .Most people are not very good listeners.

Ethnocentrism

The belief in the superiority of one's own culture. This natural attitude is found in all cultures. Causes us to judge others by our own values.. A North American businessperson in an Arab or Asian country might be upset at time spent over coffee or other social rituals before any "real" business is transacted. But in these cultures personal relationships must be established and nurtured before earnest talks may proceed.

You can improve your listening if you __________.

The best way to improve your listening skills is to stop talking and let others explain their views.

Which is the most accurate statement about nonverbal behavior?

The eyes are often the best predictor of a speaker's true feelings.

Some key dimensions of culture include context, individualism, power distance, communication style, and __________.

The five key dimensions of culture are context, individualism, power distance, communication style, and time orientation. The more you know about these dimensions and your own culture, the better able you will be to adopt an intercultural perspective.

Which statement about writing in today's workplace is most accurate?

Today's workers are expected to write a variety of messages using many electronic technologies.

Tolerance

Tolerance means learning about beliefs and practices different from our own and appreciating them. Being open-minded and receptive to new experiences. Best way is to practice empathy (seeing the world through another person's eyes) Means being less judgmental and more eager to seek common ground.

For Americans words are very important, especially in contracts and negotiations.

True

Greg will be the student speaker for graduation. To ensure that his nonverbal cues support his verbal message, he should ask friends and family to monitor his conscious and unconscious body movements and gestures.

True

North Americans consider time a precious commodity and correlate it with productivity, efficiency, and money.

True

Zach's company does business globally. By associating with people from diverse cultures, Zach can widen his knowledge of intercultural messages and can increase his tolerance of differences

True

It is impossible to not communicate.

True; Psychologist and philosopher Paul Watzlawick claimed that we cannot not communicate. In other words, it's impossible to not communicate. This means that every behavior is sending a message even if we don't use words. The eyes, face, and body convey meaning without a single syllable being spoken.

Oral Communication with Intercultural Audience

Use simple English - speak in short sentences (under 20 words) with familiar short words. Eliminate puns, sport and military references, slang, and jargon. Avoid idiomatic expressions "burn the midnight oil" Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. Avoid fast speech and don't raise your voice. Overpunctuate with pauses and full stops. Always write numbers for all to see. Encourage accurate feedback - ask probing questions, and encourage the listener to paraphrase what you say. Don't assume a yes, a nod, or a smile indicates comprehension or assent. Check frequently for comprehension - Make one point at a time, pausing to check for comprehension. Don't proceed to B until A has been grasped. Observe eye messages - be alert to a glazed expression or wandering eyes. (Tells you your listener is lost) Accept blame - if a misunderstanding results, graciously accept the responsibility for not making clear. Listen without interrupting. North Americans are accused of talking to much and listening too little. Smile when appropriate - The single most understood and most useful form of communication. In some cultures, excessive smiling may seem insincere. Follow up in writing - Confirm the results and agreements with written messages - if necessary in the local language.

Choose the best description of the barrier listed. Psychological barriers

We "tune out" others' ideas that run counter to our own preconceived thoughts.We become bored because we can process thoughts three times faster than speakers can present them.We fail to listen because we are just waiting for the next pause when we get to speak. Choose the best description of the barrier listed.Nonverbal distractions We respond unfavorably to unfamiliar jar

Choose the best description of the barrier listed. Nonverbal distractions

We respond unfavorably to unfamiliar jargon and "charged" words. We find it difficult to listen because of impediments such as hearing loss, poor acoustics, or fatigue. We don't listen due to our reaction to unusual clothes, speech, or mannerisms.

What do tolerance and flexibility in the multi-ethnic workplace require?

While tolerant, flexible attitudes in the workplace may be fostered by diversity training, empathy—seeing the world through another's eyes—is the key component.

Although most international business is conducted in English, levels of comprehension can vary. How can you enhance your oral communication skills in international environments?

You can enhance comprehension by speaking slowly and enunciating clearly.

Which of the following statements is most accurate?

a. Ethics is a priority for many businesses. Rationale: After recent scandals many businesses have a renewed interest in ethics and a dedication to regain public trust. In addition, these companies have expanded to global markets and have reduced layers of management to remain competitive. Companies also expect employees to work in teams more than ever. b. Because of economic concerns, American companies are relying on local markets. c. Most companies discourage workers from working in teams because they fear a loss of productivity. d. Today's businesses are expanding their hierarchies to meet the demands of their workers and their competition. Answer: a. Ethics is a priority for many businesses. After recent scandals many businesses have a renewed interest in ethics and a dedication to regain public trust. In addition, these companies have expanded to global markets and have reduced layers of management to remain competitive. Companies also expect employees to work in teams more than ever.

Which of the following statements is most accurate?

a. The need for well-written messages has declined in today's workforce. b. Employers rank soft skills as less valuable than hard skills. c. Social media are playing an increasingly prominent role in business. d. Today's use of digital media requires less written communication. Answer: Social media are playing an increasingly prominent role in business. Social media are playing an increasingly prominent role in business. As a result, employers need employees who can write because today's digital media requires more written communication than ever.

Which of the following statements is most accurate?

a. Workers today communicate less than in previous years. b. Technology has not affected how and why we communicate. c. Businesses today generate a wide range of messages using a variety of media. d. Writing is a skill set used only by managers and corporate executives. Answer: c. Businesses today generate a wide range of messages using a variety of media. Because of technology, all workers will write more on the job and use a wider range of communication channels, including letters, memos, e-mails, wikis, texts, instant messages, and blogs.

Trends in today's workplace include an emphasis on teamwork, an increase in telecommuting, and __________.

an increase in evolving communication technologies; Changes in today's workplace include more global competition, flattened management hierarchies, more work groups and virtual teams, a reliance on evolving communication technologies, more telecommuting employees, and an emphasis on ethics

Communication noise is

anything that interrupts the transmission of a message.

You can counter the effects of thought speed listening barriers by __________.

capitalizing on lag time; Make use of the quickness of your mind by reviewing the speaker's points and anticipating what is coming next while the other person is talking.

The increasingly technological nature of the Information Age workplace makes written communication skills more critical than ever for __________.

career advancement and organizational success; In today's Information Age workplace, career advancement and organizational success are often determined by the effectiveness of written communications.

Greg has been asked to lead his work group in a problem-solving discussion. Greg notices that Lisa rolls her eyes every time he says something. Greg should __________.

politely seek additional information by saying, "I'm not sure that you really agree with my ideas. Do you have a suggestion to improve them?; Greg should politely probe for more information by asking a sincere, polite question to improve communication and resolve confusion

Time, space, and territory also transmit nonverbal messages. Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate choice. North Americans can be a bit standoffish. If someone violates their space or territory, they will __________.

step back; North Americans are fairly formal in their use of time and space. They view privacy and punctuality as measures of respect.

Every country has a unique culture or common heritage that a...is created by a structured educational system. b...results from a common gene pool. c...teaches its members how to behave and conditions their reactions. d...comes from an orderly system of government and laws.

teaches its members how to behave and conditions their reactions.

While your physical appearance delivers an important nonverbal message to others, the physical appearance of your documents delivers an important nonverbal message as well.

true; Employees send important nonverbal messages to others through their own appearance and their business documents. Both personal and document appearance can have either a positive or a negative effect on receivers.

The United States is an example of a low-context culture.

true; The United States, Germany, and Scandinavian countries represent low-context cultures. People in such cultures tend to be logical, analytical, and action oriented. They also value independence and freedom from control.

Nonverbal cues often speak louder than words. These cues include eye contact, facial expression, body movement, space, time, territory, and appearance; they affect how messages are interpreted and decoded .In United States culture, the eyes are often the best predictor of a speaker's true feelings. Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate choice. In United States culture, good eye contact reveals sincerity and __________.

trust; United States culture values eye contact and accepts eye contact as an expression of trust and sincerity.

Your appearance and the appearance of the documents and messages you send also convey meaning. Receivers of messages make quick judgments based on appearance. Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate choice. Sloppy e-mail messages and inappropriate dress __________.

undermine your credibility; A sloppy e-mail message undermines your professional credibility and signals to the receiver that he or she is unimportant because you didn't take care in the preparation of the message. You can build professional credibility by taking the time to prepare well-organized, professional messages and by being well groomed. A professional appearance signals to coworkers, superiors, and clients that you are well prepared and that you take your work seriously.