Communications Test #2

Nadia is looking for a job in public relations in the music industry. Which photo of herself should she post on her professional networking account?

A photo of herself in front the Rock n Roll Museum in Seattle.

When should you ask about your expected salary?

After you have received a job offer.

Which of the following is a way to make the most of diversity?

Allow more time than usual for group development and discussions.

Seena and Jack disagree with each other's plan for the future. Instead of talking about it, they simply have not discussed it, and the reasons for their disagreement have never been communicated. Since their disagreement, they have not spoken much, which is strange because they were great friends. What might best explain this?

An avoidance spiral

Caroline tells Kevin she is not happy with him staying out late the night before. Kevin responds by telling Caroline that she isn't the boss of him. Caroline then responds by telling him that she thinks he's hateful. The negative dialogue continues to worsen. What does this situation exemplify?

An escalatory conflict spiral

Which of the following questions is illegal to ask in a job interview?

Are you pregnant?

Rob's parents divorced when he was three years old. His mother remarried, and after another three years he had a sibling, Simon. They have always been very close. When the family moved to another town and they started at a new school, Alice said to Rob: "Why does your brother look nothing like you?" When Rob explained that they had the same mother but different fathers, Alice asked: "So is he your real brother?" Rob and Simon were hurt and offended. What should Alice have understood?

Asking family members whether someone is "real" wrongly implies that other family members are fake or that they don't belong.

Pete expects his children to obey him and when questioned he often says, "Because I said so." What parenting style does Pete exhibit?

Authoritarian

Naveed is preparing a presentation about himself for a job interview. He asks the recruiter who will be present at the interview and what kinds of information they would like to know. Which strategy is he applying?

Be audience oriented.

Sarah is sure to let her friend Will know that she cares about him. Classify this communication strategy for being a good friend.

Be validating and appreciative.

The executive search committee recently met to discuss the pool of job candidates. Initially, they let each other know the candidate they each preferred without much disagreement. Once they knew whom the other preferred, things became rather contentious. Some candidates were eliminated from consideration. After much bickering, two candidates were considered the best qualified for the job. Committee members accepted the final two candidates to be interviewed and endorsed their decision to the faculty. Which portion of this description characterizes the reinforcement stage?

Committee members accepted the final two candidates to be interviewed and endorsed their decision to the faculty.

Deborah and Jennifer are sisters. When Jennifer got her master's degree, Deborah felt the need to get hers too. Likewise, when Deborah began a workout routine, Jennifer felt she had to begin one as well. How might you characterize their sibling relationship?

Competitive

Britt is an excellent negotiator. She has been told that she is great at expressing her emotions confidently and effectively. Based on her behavior, what parental communication pattern did she most likely grow up under?

Conversation

Which question should you prepare to answer near the end of an interview?

Do you have any questions of your own?

Preparing for a Job Interview

Do your research. Prepare for likely questions. Dress for success. Bring your résumé and portfolio. Know when and where to go. Reframe anxiety as enthusiasm.

Gustav works with a difficult boss. His boss is a micromanager, so he often invites her input because he realizes there is little he can do to change her behavior. He often gratuitously complains about her behavior to his coworkers. Even though she is often negative, Gustav remains positive in the way he communicates towards her. Which part of this description shows Gustav keeping a professional demeanor?

Even though she is often negative, Gustav remains positive in the way he communicates towards her.

True or False: An informational interview is an unstructured meeting where you engage in casual conversation with a prospective employer.

False

True or False: Asking who you voted for in the last presidential election is a legal question in a job interview.

False

Allison and Cate are close friends but they only see each other twice a year because they are busy with work and their families. Which unique characteristic of friendships does this exemplify?

Friends are relatively free to design relationships that suit their needs.

Gender and Friendship

Friendship Styles Advantages of Other-Sex Friends Contact Hypothesis

Grant is having a conversation with a guy he just met in line for the Ferris wheel. They are having a polite conversation about the weather. Grant's friend Justin notices him in line and greets him by giving him a high-five. Justin tells Grant, "I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me yesterday. Cindy and I were just having a rough time and I needed someone to talk to." Grant puts his hand on Justin's shoulder and tells him, "Any time. You're a good friend." Which part of this story exemplifies affinity?

Grant puts his hand on Justin's shoulder and tells him, "Any time. You're a good friend."

Estefan is in a research discovery group at work. Together they have made a major scientific breakthrough. They could not have achieved this individually. What statement best characterizes this particular advantage of group problem-solving?

Groups benefit from diverse ideas.

Which of the following affiliations would prospective employers be least likely to see as problematic on an online profile?

Habitat for Humanity

How should you respond if asked about your salary requirements?

Identify a salary range and back up your numbers with research.

Kara wants to better understand what a job in social work would be like. She has reached out to Dr. Thomas, who works in this field, to learn more. What kind of interview will Kara be conducting with her?

Informational

_________________ involves interaction between people who are part of a close and irreplaceable relationship in which they treat each other as unique individuals.

Interpersonal communication

Even though your class discussion was lively, fun, and productive in achieving its goals, you can't remember who said what. Which option below best relates to this discussion?

It demonstrates task-oriented communication that was not interpersonal.

Amber is the director of marketing at her company. What best describes her role?

It is a formal role.

Ricardo and Nilda are friends. Nilda asks Ricardo if he can help her move. Ricardo doesn't really want to help and comes up with an excuse. Which option below best describes Ricardo's friendship to Nilda?

It is low-obligation.

Which practice should you apply when pursuing a job?

Keep a record of everyone you have communicated with (along with their contact information) and a summary of your communication.

Jessica is Stephen's sister. Jessica admires the way Stephen is confident and focused. Stephen respects Jessica's determination. Despite their admiration and respect for each other, they don't talk as often as they would like, and their conversations tend to skate over the surface of subjects. Neither of them is completely happy with that. How might you characterize their sibling relationship?

Longing

George is introverted and finds it difficult to make face-to-face conversation. However, when George is online, he is able to compose long and highly revealing messages. This best illustrates which advantage of online communication?

Online communication can feel nonthreatening.

You are preparing for an employment interview. Which step should you apply first?

Research the organization.

When asked in an interview to describe an ethical challenge from a past job, Marla responds, "A colleague confided in me once, revealing that she was being sexual harassed by another coworker. After discussing her options, we decided to report this behavior to the manager. I would take a supportive and direct approach again in a similar situation if hired for this position." Which part of the recommended response to a behavioral question did Marla fail to include?

Show the result of your behavior.

Debra is the group member that helps find common ground between other group members, and enables relationships to run smoothly. What best characterizes this kind of activity?

Social roles

Melissa and Christie have been friends for about a year. During that time, they have each talked about their views on politics, their lifestyles, and their interests. They have also talked about things that they have only told a few other people, like how they feel about friends and family. Additionally, they have told each other things that they have not told anyone else. Christie told Melissa about the pain and resentment she felt when her parents split. Melissa told Christie about how she has struggled with an eating disorder. Which part of this description speaks of breadth?

Their talks about politics, their lifestyles, and their interests.

Men often say they find it validating when female friends encourage them to be more emotionally expressive than usual. Which fact about gender and friendship does this statement most clearly illustrate?

There are advantages to other-sex friendships.

True or False: At least 7 out of 10 employers have ruled candidates out based on their online presence.

True

True or False: In job interviews you should listen carefully and ask follow-up questions.

True

At which stage of analyzing a problem does conducting a force field analysis typically occur?

When you identify supporting and restraining forces.

When interviewers want to know how realistic you are, they might ask which of the following questions?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Explaining politely but firmly that she was uncomfortable with questions regarding her sexual orientation, Tahlia ended the job interview, said goodbye, and hung up the phone. Which strategy did she use to deal with illegal questions?

Withdraw

Which of the following is a reason for the growing number of interviews conducted via video conference?

Work teams are geographically distributed.

The degree to which we like or appreciate others is known as ________________.

affinity

Immediately after a period of conflict, effective groups move to _____________.

an emergence stage

Because most employers recognize that past performance is the best indicator of future performance, they conduct __________ interviews.

behavioral

Good friends keep people healthy, _______________, and make them feel loved and supported.

boost their self-esteem

There seems to be some truth to the idea that straight women and gay men make good friends. It is believed this may be because ________________.

both sides typically say they enjoy getting a different perspective on love and romance without the complications of a hidden sexual agenda

The social penetration model is used to describe which two dimensions of communication?

breadth and depth

Differences can strengthen a relationship when each partner's characteristics satisfy the other's needs. This is how we choose friendships based on _______________.

complementarity

Eduardo is great at developing relationships with new people. This comes in handy at his job because the people he builds relationships with often bring business to their company. This is an example of _____________.

connection power

Interpersonal communication is most likely to occur between a _______________.

father and his youngest son, discussing potential options for college

The term __________ describes the tendency of some groups to support ideas without challenging them or providing alternatives.

groupthink

There are some friends for whom we would do just about anything—no request is too big. Their relationships with you could be categorized as _____________ friendships.

high-obligation

Social scientists use the term ________________ to describe messages that refer to other messages.

metacommunication

Interpersonal relationships of any depth are virtually impossible if the individuals involved do not have much of a(n) ________________.

open area

In the ____________, members approach the problem and one another tentatively.

orientation stage

The term _______________ refers to episodes in which people snub those around them by paying attention to their phones instead.

phubbing

When considering your online presence as a job seeker, remember to look __________.

professional

Vivian listens to her co-workers and also presents her own ideas clearly and effectively. As a result, she is admired and liked by members of her team. This is an example of _____________.

referent power

Karen holds Kelly in really high esteem, but she doesn't really like her. What dimension of relational messages does this exemplify?

respect

Speaking up when you are upset, but without attacking the other person is a strategy known as "______________."

share feelings respectfully

The model suggesting that we tend to stick with people who can give us rewards that are greater than or equal to the costs we encounter in dealing with them is called __________________.

social exchange theory

Lazy behavior that some members use to avoid doing their share of the work is referred to as ____________.

social loafing

"You don't have enough experience to make a good decision. I have had much more experience than you have, and so I know better." This is an example of _______________.

superior communication

More than 2,000 years ago, Aristotle proclaimed, "From the hour of their birth some are marked out for subjugation, and others for command." This is a radical expression of _____________, sometimes labeled as the "great man" or "great woman" approach.

trait theories of leadership

Adrienne is part of the senior management team at a company in which—since her appointment—both morale and client-satisfaction have dramatically improved. Among her driving principles are the idea that people work better when they are both motivated and empowered to reach their goals, that each team member must contribute fully, and that when she has to make a key decision, everyone knows why she is making it. She is a useful example of how _______________ works.

transformational leadership

Confirming Messages

•Acknowledge thoughts and feelings •Show that you agree

Parenting Styles

•Authoritarian •Authoritative •Permissive

Interviewing by Phone or Video

•Behave professionally. •Practice technology. •Doublecheck time. •Know how long the interview will be. •Look at the camera. •Conduct a dress rehearsal.

relational messages

•Content and Relational •Affinity •Respect •Immediacy •Control

Family Communication Patterns

•Conversation •Conformity

Disconfirming Messages

•Deny value of the other person

Reflecting Thinking Model

•Develop Solutions •Evaluate Solutions •Implement Plan •Follow Up •Identify Problem •Analyze Problem •Identify Criteria •Gather Information •Consider Forces for and Against

Online Friendships

•Diversity •Self-Disclosure •Less Intimidating •Convenient Dunbar's Number

To Make the Most of Group Meetings

•Encourage equal participation •Avoid information underload and overload •Avoid groupthink •Make the most of diversity

Unique Qualities of Friends

•Equals •Unlimited number •Designed to suit needs

Relational Spirals

•Escalatory (positive or negative) •Conflict •Avoidance

Small Groups

•Have resources •Can catch errors •Enhance buy-in •Have diverse ideas Can solve some problems very well

Interpersonal Com Online

•Help people stay connected •Feel nonthreatening •Be validating •Be paused . . . sometimes •Feel overwhelming •Be distracting (phubbing)

Managerial Grid ...

•Impoverished managers •Country club managers •Authority-obedience managers •Middle-of-the-road managers •Team managers

Responding to Illegal Questions

•Know the law. •Prepare in advance. •Options oAnswer oRedirect oRefuse to answer oWithdraw

Power in the Work Place

•Legitimate (nominal) •Expert •Connection •Reward •Coercive •Referent

Mistakes to Avoid at Work

•Making Fun of People •Oversharing •Overlooking Cultural Differences •Gossiping •Doing Less Than Your Best •Losing Your Cool •Fixating on a Mistake

Participating in a Job Interview

•Mind your manners. •Follow the interviewer's lead. •Keep answers succinct and specific. •Describe relevant challenges, actions, and results. •Ask good questions of your own. •Follow up after the interview.

Metacommunication

•Often below the surface •Can do more than solve problems •Can be risky

Good Leaders Are ...

•Open to innovation •Able to work well with teams •Good at facilitating change •Appreciative of diversity •Honest and ethical

Stages in Group Problem Solving

•Orientation (forming) •Conflict (storming) •Emergence (norming) •Reinforcement (performing)

Transformational Leadership

•People want to make a difference. •Empowerment is essential. •Mission is the driving force. •Transparency is key.

Working with a Difficult Boss

•Put in extra effort. •Make up the difference. •Seek advice from others. •Try to improve the situation. •Manage your expectations. •Keep a professional demeanor. •Consider moving on.

Definition of Family

•Share affection •Share resources •Think of themselves as family

Types of Friends

•Short- or long-term •Low or high disclosure •Doing- or being-oriented •Low or high obligation •Frequent or occasional contact

Evaluating Friendship Potential

•Similarity •Complementarity •Mutual liking •Admiration •Self-disclosure

Communication in Small Groups

•Social Loafing •Rules •Social, Procedural, and Task Norms •Formal, Informal, Task, and Social Roles •Cohesiveness

To Show Your Leadership Potential

•Stay engaged •Demonstrate competence •Be assertive, not aggressive •Provide solutions

Sibling Relationships

•Supportive •Longing •Competitive •Apathetic •Hostile

Managing Your Online Identity

•Take stock of strengths and goals. •Build a professional identity. •Avoid embarrassing posts. •Monitor your online presence. •Do damage control. •Beware of mistaken identities. •Don't be scared off. •Don't stop when you get hired.

Network Strategies

•View everyone as a networking prospect. •Engage online. •Seek referrals. •Conduct informational interviews. •Show appreciation.

Good Communicators

•Work well in teams •Enhance client satisfaction •Build public awareness •Make good leaders •Inspire others