Business Communications Final Review

A shoe design company had a design process in place for many years. All employees operated with a clear understanding of the way the process worked. The company was sold, and the new owners implemented a new system. The employees are not pleased. Which of the following explains the employees' preference for the original process? Select one: a. Context b. Paradigms c. Semantics d. Symbolic

?

Cheryl has a strong work history, no gaps in employment, and can highlight specific skills and experiences. Which type of resume would best highlight Cheryl's work history? Select one: a. Scannable b. Functional c. Combination d. Reverse Chronological

?

During a meeting, your client makes a comment about how she wants to "make sense of things." Which of the following predicates of rapport does this represent? Select one: a. Visual b. Emotional c. Kinesthetic d. Auditory Digital

?

During a presentation, you provide your audience with an example of how the concept you are exploring is used in everyday life. Which of the following strategies for improving verbal communication are you using? Select one: a. Defining your terms b. Using precise words c. Considering your audience d. Checking for understanding

?

For two days, Brazilian hosts entertained a Swiss business delegation with trips to Brazilian cultural events and tourist locations. On the third day, they presented a concise, effective business proposal to the Swiss. However, by then, the Swiss had decided against investing, because they felt the Brazilians had spent too much time entertaining and not enough time on business. The Swiss wanted more time spent on actual business as a gesture of perceived importance. Which of the following characterizes the divergence in the Swiss and Brazilian cultural orientations in this example? Select one: a. Direct vs. indirect b. Materialism vs. relationships c. Future-oriented vs. present-oriented d. Low power distance vs. high power distance

?

Matt is conducting research for a speech he has been asked to present, and has come across several studies with evidence he would like to include in his presentation. Matt needs to know who conducted the studies, how they were conducted, and who funded the studies. Why does he need to know this information? Select one: a. To change audience perceptions. b. To meet the expectations set by OSHA. c. To create a more culturally inclusive presentation. d. To avoid including biased information in his presentation.

?

The purpose of a memo is to provide which of the following? Select one: a. Training for new business topics b. General information about an issue c. Specific information about an issue d. Information to people outside of the organization

?

Timothy Harris founded a company and received the Indiana Governor's Award for Achievement in Business and Entrepreneurship in 2011. After hearing of his accomplishments, you decide to launch a business of your own. You have no experience or education in the field, and the industry you are thinking about entering has a number of vibrant competitors. Your friends and family are discouraging you from taking this step, but you have chosen to ignore their comments, have stopped communicating with them, and continue to think about your new business. Your behavior is an example of which of the following? Select one: a. Internal monologue b. Social communication c. Interpersonal monologue d. Interpersonal communication

?

Under which type of leader is there an emphasis on the group, orientation, and education? Select one: a. Leader-as-coach b. Leader-as-director c. Leader-as-conductor d. Leader-as-technician

?

Which of the following is the most important rule of public interviews? Select one: a. Interviews matter less in a crisis communication situation. b. Any information you share could be quoted by entertainment or news media. c. Everything the interviewee says must be able to be condensed down to thirty second or less. d. Never say anything you would not feel comfortable hearing quoted out of context on the evening news.

?

Which of the following statements about presenting negative news in written form is true? Select one: a. It is not open to interpretation. b. It is usually open to interpretation. c. It allows more time to preparation of the message. d. It allows the sender to put the message together hastily.

?

Which of the following statements best describes the goal of business communication? Select one: a. To elevate one's position in the company. b. To receive information that leads to a result. c. To share all information necessary to achieve a business result. d. To receive information that helps the businessperson build a case for the sale.

?

Your job requires you to interact with clients from all different industries. Some of these industries are familiar to you and others are areas in which you have little experience. In order to ensure that you are able to carry out your responsibilities and better meet customer needs, you conduct research on these fields. Which of the following levels of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs does your behavior represent? Select one: a. Self-actualization b. Safety c. Need to know d. Self-esteem

?

As the CEO of a growing online travel service, you want to ensure that your company promotes trips that are popular with travellers of all ages. As part of your marketing campaign, you cite the growth in attendance at national parks. The National Park Service indicated that attendance in 2016 increased over attendance in 2015. Which of the following GASCAP/T organizing principles does mentioning the National Park Service represent? Select one: a. Authority b. Generalization c. Sign d. Testimony

a. Authority

Which of the following parts of a negative news message involves neutral or positive information? Select one: a. Buffer b. Explanation c. Redirect d. Soft sell

a. Buffer

You are meeting with a new client in the client's home city. Via email, you have agreed to meet at the downtown Starbucks. You arrive at the city limits, make your way to the center of the town, and enter the Starbucks at the major intersection. After waiting for 20 minutes, you contact the client to find out why he hasn't arrived yet. To your surprise, the client says that he is waiting for you at the Starbucks at the edge of town. Your interpretation of "downtown" meant the middle of the city; the client's interpretation of "downtown" referred to a direction. Which of the following describes this misunderstanding? Select one: a. Bypassing b. Formatting c. Introspecting d. Reflecting

a. Bypassing

Which of the following statements about open-and closed-ended questions is accurate? Select one: a. Closed-ended questions limit the range of answer options. b. Closed-ended questions allow for a range of answer options. c. Open-ended questions can only be answered in one way. d. Open-ended questions may be answered with a "yes" or "no" response.

a. Closed-ended questions limit the range of answer options.

Your law firm has experienced significant growth over the past few years. You have hired many new attorneys, assistants, researchers, and other staff members. Along the way, hierarchies were put into place without much thought to the reporting structure. As a result, it is unclear who reports to whom, or each person's responsibilities. The management has realized that changes and clarifications are needed, and will use Dewey's seven-step reflective thinking sequence to address their problems. What are the first four steps of this sequence? Select one: a. Define the problem, analyze the problem, establish criteria, and consider solutions b. Define the problem, analyze the problem, consider solutions, and decide on a solution c. Establish criteria, consider solutions, decide on a solution, and implement the solution d. Analyze the problem, define the problem, decide on a solution, and implement the solution

a. Define the problem, analyze the problem, establish criteria, and consider solutions

An ambitious middle-aged commuter stops thinking about her job to listen to an ad on the radio because it begins with a song she recognizes from her childhood. Which audience trait did the ad use to successfully grab her attention? Select one: a. Demographic b. Education c. Linguistic d. Professional

a. Demographic

One of a company's primary products has malfunctioned in several situations and caused several injuries. The CEO of the company issued a public statement about the events and how the company will address the situation. A press conference will be held at the end of the day. Which of the following elements of a crisis communication plan do these actions represent? Select one: a. Designating a spokesperson b. Presenting a thesis statement c. Assessing needs for examination d. Offering an organizational culture statement

a. Designating a spokesperson

What are cognate strategies? Select one: a. How you impart information to an audience b. How you persuade an audience to take action c. How you research a topic to understand it fully d. How you choose the tactics that reach your audience

a. How you impart information to an audience

You are preparing a message that will introduce your company's new product. It is difficult to tailor the message to your audience, given the outlet you are using. Which of the following communication contexts is being used? Select one: a. Mass communication b. Segmented communication c. Group communication d. Interpersonal communication

a. Mass communication

Which of the following best describes values in individualistic cultures? Select one: a. People value individual freedom and personal independence. b. People value family or community over the needs of the individual. c. People discuss rules and expectations clearly to make sure the rules are known. d. People's customs are implied and known by everyone, but not always clearly stated.

a. People value individual freedom and personal independence.

Your company offers several different versions of a laundry detergent. At the upcoming company meeting, you want to present the percentage of sales each product represents. Which graphic will be the most effective in illustrating these numbers? Select one: a. Pie chart b. Bar chart c. Line graph d. Table chart

a. Pie chart

Which of the following behaviors do many expatriates experience after living abroad for extended periods of time? Select one: a. They tend to adopt the ways of the host country b. They tend to resent the culture of their host country c. They tend to resent the culture of their home country d. They tend to only socialize with natives of their host country

a. They tend to adopt the ways of the host country

Your thoughts about your company's policies toward women and minorities is firm, and you continue to encourage management to treat employees in a more equitable manner. Which of the following characteristics does this behavior represent? Select one: a. Values b. Beliefs c. Attitudes d. Self-image

a. Values

Restating a message in your own words (as a message-receiver) and asking questions (as a message-sender) are ways to encourage which process? Select one: a. Hearing b. Active listening c. Focusing your thoughts d. Fostering internal dialogue

b. Active listening

When we reveal something about ourselves, we expect that others will reciprocate. What is the formal term for this phenomenon? Select one: a. Risk b. Dyadic effect c. Self-disclosure d. Social penetration

b. Dyadic effect

As you begin your new role at one of your organization's foreign locations, you are determined to be as effective as possible in your interactions with the people in your new office, as well as the people who are native to the country. Which of the following interpersonal communication strategies should you integrate into your behavior? Select one: a. Take a global perspective of your new location b. Focus on personal interactions and experiences c. Assume similarity in your personal interactions d. Focus on your general observations of the culture

b. Focus on personal interactions and experiences

This transcript won first place in the elevator speech stage of a business plan competition at the University of Dayton. For a typical audience, what weakness in audience analysis does it exhibit? Let's face it. Sometimes, men just don't understand women, and that's OK. We don't expect you to all the time. But it would be nice if a male who was developing an iPhone app for us understood us better. Ten million female iPhone users have repeatedly shown interest in the app market. But there are two problems here: One, not a lot of apps exist for women and, two, the apps that do exist kind of fall short of the mark -- and that's mainly because men are developing them. So, our team, we believe we can connect with this dissatisfied and under-targeted market to develop very tailored apps specifically for women. We're seeking a $100,000 investment in exchange for a 25% stake in equity and a 10x return. We'll roll out one app quarterly, starting in six months from the initial investment. We expect break-even to occur by the end of year one. We're MissApp, we're designing for women, and it's because, well, women like technology too. Select one: a. It may be offensive to men. b. It assumes the audience is all male. c. Its informality does not suit its targeted investors. d. It uses too many numbers in a brief period of time.

b. It assumes the audience is all male.

You are composing a letter to a prospective client, describing the services your company provides and how those services are delivered to each customer. Which of the following styles should you use when writing this letter? Select one: a. Indirect, because you do not want to appear pushy b. Plain English, because you want to be clear and concise c. Formal, because you do not want to that a relationship exists d. Conversational, because you want to develop rapport as soon as possible

b. Plain English, because you want to be clear and concise

What kind of table should be in a meeting room if the collaboration among attendees is required? Select one: a. Square b. Round c. U-shaped d. Rectangle

b. Round

As part of the team that creates designs and styles for shoes, the members of your group are empowered to make decisions about materials, colors, patterns and other aspects of shoe design. Each member takes pride in his or her work and little supervision of employees is needed. Which of the following management theories describes the ways in which these workers are viewed? Select one: a. Theory X b. Theory Y c. Control theory d. Motivational theory

b. Theory Y

Your small group has been tasked with coming up with a new menu for your company's employee cafeteria. Many employees want to be a part of the process and have joined your group. As a result, the large number of people in the group has created an overwhelming growth in interactions and has made it difficult to come to any decisions. Retaining the numbers of the original small group would have facilitated better results. How many members make up this kind of small, more efficient group? Select one: a. One to two people b. Three to eight people c. Nine to fifteen people d. Sixteen to thirty people

b. Three to eight people

Which of the following elements of a presentation is represented by Aristotle's concept of logos, or logic? Select one: a. Being ethical b. Being formal c. Being organized d. Being prepared

c. Being organized

The following groups reflect which of the Gestalt organizing principles, respectively? "A house, its lawn, its garage" "Step 1, Step 2, Step 3" "Peanut butter, cream cheese, margarine." Select one: a. Similarity, symmetry, closure b. Closure, proximity, symmetry c. Figure and ground, continuity, similarity d. Symmetry, figure and ground, uniformity

c. Figure and ground, continuity, similarity

Hello Ms. Johnson - Thank you for providing feedback regarding the project proposal. As a result of your feedback, I will revise the summary and add discussed details to the project outcome. I will send you the updated proposal for review on Monday. Select one: a. Colloquial. Ayana used regionally appropriate phrases. b. Colloquial. Ayana used formal language to provide unnecessary information. c. Formal. Ayana used professional language that is concise. d. Formal. Ayana used everyday words and wrote as if she was communicating with a friend.

c. Formal. Ayana used professional language that is concise.

Monika is preparing for an interview at a healthcare organization. She is excited, and imagines the types of questions she will be asked. She even allows herself to visualize her office. What type of communication is Monika taking part in? Select one: a. Intracultural b. Intercultural c. Intrapersonal d. Interpersonal

c. Intrapersonal

Your company installs roofing. Your marketing department has come up with a new campaign that uses a quote from John F. Kennedy, "The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining." Which of the following legalities would you be violating if you used this quote without stating the source? Select one: a. Libel b. Slander c. Plagiarism d. Copyright infringement

c. Plagiarism

Which of the following best describes a press conference? Select one: a. A written document outlining a need b. Informal presentation of information c. Presentation of information to the media d. A prepared scenario that organizes information

c. Presentation of information to the media

Which of the following perception factors will most likely impact employees of a company that is moving to a new office due to changes in management? Select one: a. Cultural b. Physical c. Psychological d. Social

c. Psychological

Sharing negative news with the public in an effective way can be challenging. A meaningful headline is essential to ensure your message is received effectively. Which of the following press release headlines is most effective, clear, and concise? Select one: a. Hostess Brands is Closed b. NETDAY96 For Our State Announced c. Ralph Lauren Corporation Announces CEO Departure d. ING Rebalances Hedge Portfolio for Employee Options

c. Ralph Lauren Corporation Announces CEO Departure

Which of the following includes correct components of the Transactional Model of Communication? Select one: a. Receiver, Noise, Static, Source b. Source, Receiver, Context, Static c. Source, Receiver, Context, Message d. Source, Receiver, Context, Negotiated Meaning

c. Source, Receiver, Context, Message

Two individuals in a newly-formed group have conflicting views about which one should lead the group. The conflict is resolved when the members take a vote. The conflict and the vote represent which stages in group development? Select one: a. Forming and norming b. Forming and storming c. Storming and norming d. Norming and performing

c. Storming and norming

Which sentence in this statement from former Speaker of the House John Boehner's press conference on raising the debt ceiling is an example of an ethical lapse in presenting information? "(1) Our disagreement is over the idea of raising taxes on the very people we're asking to create jobs in our country. (2) I agree with the president that the national debt limit must be raised, and I'm glad that he made the case for it today. (3) But the American people will not accept -- and the House cannot pass -- a bill that raises taxes on job creators. (4) The House can only pass a debt limit bill that includes spending cuts larger than the hike in the debt limit, as well as real restraints on future spending." Select one: a. The first sentence b. The second sentence c. The third sentence d. The fourth sentence

c. The third sentence

How can introductions be used to ensure that a meeting is productive? Select one: a. They should be conducted following a roll call b. They need not be done if there is no new business c. They should be conducted even if only one person is new d. They need not be done if there is only one new person in attendance

c. They should be conducted even if only one person is new

As you prepare your next presentation to the sales department, you consider the elements you will cover during the meeting. You will discuss some issues that many employees have been talking about during the past few months. Which function of "gatekeeping" does your strategy represent? Select one: a. Culture b. Framing c. Repetition d. Agenda setting

d. Agenda setting

Which of the following describes the differences between hearing and listening? Select one: a. Hearing is focused, while listening is intentional b. Hearing is intentional, while listening requires focus c. Hearing is an active process, while listening is effortless d. Hearing is effortless, while listening is an active process

d. Hearing is effortless, while listening is an active process

Which of the following elements of communication is represented by these examples of oral and written applications? Oral Application: "Sue misses a call from Jack because she didn't take into account the time difference in their locations." Written Application: "Jack waits for a call from Sue, but she doesn't call." Select one: a. Channel b. Context c. Environment d. Interference

d. Interference

Why is jargon considered a barrier to communications? Select one: a. It is sexist and uses gender as a discriminating factor. b. It is words or phrases that have lost their impact through overuse and time. c. It substitutes one word for another that may not be understood by everyone. d. It is occupation-specific, and some people may not understand the reference.

d. It is occupation-specific, and some people may not understand the reference.

As Director of Human Resources, you are responsible for communicating new policies to employees. During an earlier meeting, you informed employees that the number of sick days had been reduced and that they would not have as many paid holidays. Employees did not respond well. The company added paid vacation days to offset the new policy. At the most recent meeting, employees were not as hostile. Which of the following explains the improved reception at the second meeting? Select one: a. Persuasion b. Motivation c. Reciprocity d. Measurable gain

d. Measurable gain

Which of the following lists the three types of messages? Select one: a. Ethos, pathos, and logos b. Good news, last news, and neutral news c. Primary news, secondary news, and last news d. Primary news, secondary news, and auxiliary news

d. Primary news, secondary news, and auxiliary news

You have always done well at work, but your new supervisor criticizes your performance and output. After two weeks on the job, you are no longer pleased with your work and your productivity decreases. Which of the following concepts does this represent? Select one: a. Self-image b. Self-esteem c. Looking-glass self d. Self-fulfilling prophecy

d. Self-fulfilling prophecy

Words stand for ideas and things, but they are not the same as those ideas and things. Which of the following is part of the semantic triangle? Select one: a. Definition b. Nature c. Person d. Thought

d. Thought

A presentation where the speaker is showing the audience how to operate a product serves what main purpose? Select one: a. To create b. To inform c. To persuade d. To demonstrate

d. To demonstrate

You converse with a colleague, and find that you are both receivers and sources of information at the same time. In which of the following communication models are you participating? Select one: a. Constructivist b. Interpersonal c. Intrapersonal d. Transactional

d. Transactional

By understanding that our ____ are not the only ones possible, we can limit ethnocentrism and improve ____ communication. Select one: a. ideas; learning b. minds; perceptual c. theories; scientific d. perceptions; intercultural

d. perceptions; intercultural