BA 105W Quiz 1

Melinda, a company department manager, frequently communicates via text messages with other department managers within the company. This is an example of an upward flow of communication.

False Response Feedback: Lateral channels transmit information horizontally among workers at the same level, such as between department managers.

Information flows through formal communication channels in three directions: downward, upward, and spiral.

False Response Feedback: Information among workers flows through formal channels in three directions: downward, upward, and horizontal.

According to media richness theory, face-to-face conversations are the richest because they provide more helpful cues and allow for immediate feedback.

True

Communication in today's workplace is shifting from one-sided, slow forms of communication to interactive, instant, less paper-based communication.

True

In making hiring decisions, employers often rank communication skills among the most-requested competencies.

True

One advantage of oral communication over written communication is that oral communication can be more easily adjusted to the audience.

True

Organizations with free-flowing, open communication tend to be more successful.

True

Some states have passed "Plain English" laws that require businesses to write policies, warranties, and contracts in language comprehensible to average readers.

True

To improve information flow, many of today's companies have decreased the number of operating units and managers, thereby shortening lines of communication.

True Response Feedback: To improve communication and to compete more effectively, many of today's companies have restructured and reengineered themselves into smaller operating units and work teams. Rather than being bogged down with long communication chains, management speaks directly to employees.

Bert is CEO of an organization with many layers in the chain of command. He is looking for ways to reduce these layers so that he can communicate more directly with the first-line employees. What organizational communication barrier is he trying to overcome?

Long lines of communication

Which of the following statements about global competition is least accurate?

Only medium and large companies compete globally.

Gerard's company will no longer store its data using in-house hardware and software; instead, data will be stored online at a remote location. This type of technology is called

cloud computing.

Knowledge and information workers must be able to think critically, make sound decisions, and

communicate information to others.

The most significant trends in today's dynamic workplace include global competition, team-based projects, flattened management hierarchies, new communication technologies, and

expectations of around-the-clock availability. Answer Feedback: Some of the most significant trends in today's workplace include new communication technologies such as social media, expectations of around-the-clock availability, global competition, flattened management hierarchies, team-based projects, a diverse workforce, and the mobile or virtual office.

Which of the following statements comparing oral and written communication is least accurate?

Oral communication is preferred when presenting formal or complex ideas. Written communication is better when presenting formal or complex ideas.

Thinking creatively and critically means

having opinions that are backed by reason and evidence. Answer Feedback: Thinking creatively and critically means having opinions that are backed by reason and evidence.

To improve communication and to compete more effectively, many of today's companies have

restructured and reengineered themselves into smaller operating units and work teams.

Which of the following is an example of horizontal communication in an organization?

Six marketing reps meet to discuss ideas for targeting new customers. Answer Feedback: An example of horizontal communication in an organization involves six marketing reps meeting to discuss ideas for targeting new customers.

Lucy works in an office that has non-territorial work spaces. This is new to her, and she would like to display good open office etiquette. What should she do?

Speak in a soft voice and wear headphones to cut down on noise.

Which of the following is an example of external organizational communication?

A brochure sent to a prospective customer

Which of the following statements about writing skills is most accurate?

Having good writing skills can improve your chances for promotion and can result in higher earnings. Answer Feedback: Effective writing skills are a necessity in today's workplace; they can be a stepping stone to great job opportunities, or, if poorly developed, may derail a career.

Melinda was recently hired as manager of a small retail establishment. She immediately noticed that employees seem afraid to speak with her. She wants her employees to feel comfortable coming to her about anything. What organizational communication barrier is she trying to overcome?

Lack of trust between management and employees

What type of technology makes it possible to locate and identify a computing device as soon as users connect to the network?

Presence technology

Which of the following is an example of downward communication in an organization?

The CFO sends information about a new accounting regulation to employees in the accounting department.