PRACTICE Q'S JODY Business Communication
Workplace terms that are used too often are called A - buzzwords B - idioms C - synergism D - slang
Buzzwords
In which of the following countries is punctuality expected at the start of the meetings? A - India B - Brazil C - Russia D - china
China
In terms of culture, assertiveness focuses on the level of appropriate A - directness B - wariness C - generosity D - comfort
Directness
Average and poor business writers are more likely than excellent writers to focus on the ______ stage first. A - message B - reviewing C - drafting D - planning
Drafting
Worldwide, ______ is the language of business. A - Chinese B - hindi C - English D - french
English
Companies in low-humane-oriented cultures focus primarily on which of the following? A - social responsibility B - financial profits C - compassion D - generosity
Financial profits
Your goal in framing a business message is to A - hep the audience see the issue from a strategic perspective B - outline the message structure using inductive reasoning C - define the logic of the message d - create a call to action based strictly emotional appeal
Help the audience see the issue from a strategic perspective
Compared to traditional teams, it is generally a greater challenge for virtual teams to A - establish and meet individual deadlines B - keep relationships professional and respectful C - maintain trust over the duration of their work together D - be productive and effective
Maintain trust over the duration of their work together
Teams rapidly develop shared perceptions, goals, and commitment, or a team culture, during their ________ stage. A - forming B - norming C - performing D - storming
Norming
Negative stereotypes about people from other cultures often come from A - popular culture B - high cultural intelligence C - diversity workshops D - working relationships
Popular culture
Which of the following are recommended steps in proofreading? A - read each sentence more than once B - rewrite each sentence as you proofread it C - read sentences from the viewpoint of the audience d - correct problems with the writing style, spelling, and grammar
Read each sentence more than once Read sentences from the viewpoint of the audience Correct problems with the writing style, spelling, and grammar
Which of the following are characteristics of national cultures? A - shared values B - shared behaviors C - shared projects D - shared rules
Shared values Shared behaviors Shared rules
Collectivist values that are generally encourage in companies in individualist countries include A - emphasis on personal opportunities B - team-oriented strategies C - competitive energy within teams D - focus on meeting objectives over relationship harmony
Team-oriented strategies
To write concisely, it is best to a - use short sentences B - omit unnecessary words c - repeat ideas once d - control the length of paragraphs
Use short sentences Omit unnecessary words Control the length of paragraphs
Cultural dimensions are long-standing A - values B - stereotypes C - goals D - norms
Values Norms
One way to gain insight into another culture's visual and auditory cues is by A - writing emails B - reading news articles C - participating in online text chats D - watching videos
Watching videos
When writing a sentence in a business message that is intended for a work team, the appropriate voice to use is usually the ______ voice. A - you B - impersonal C - we D - I
We
When the tone of a business message is _______, there is an implied interest in the opinions and needs of the audience. A - indifferent B - insincere C - apologetic D - welcoming
Welcoming
Over the course of many communications, the lasting meta messages you send become the basis for A - any call to action B - your tone C - oral communication D - your reputation
Your reputation
In general, for complex or analytical business communications, the average written sentence length should be _____ or fewer words. a - 25 B - 10 C - 40 D - 20
20
Which of the following would best serve as a heading? A - assessing sites B - assessing various locations and choosing the one that best suits your store C - location d - choosing a location for your store
Choosing a location for your store
High-humane-orientation cultures value A - silence and subtle language B - discrimination and indifference C - insensitivity and frugality D - compassion and concern
Compassion and concern
The day of the workweek that is generally considered least productive for meetings is ________.
Friday
The framing of the primary business message is important for which of the following seasons? A - it gives focus to an important argument B - it underlines support for the message's key ideas C - it emphasizes the message's premises D - it defines the message logic
It gives focus to an important argument It underlines support for the message's key ideas It emphasize the message's premises
Which of the following should be included in meeting minutes? A - minutes from the previous meeting B - key discussion points C - a sample agenda for the next meeting D - action items to be completed
Key discussion points Actions items to be completed
Cultural diversity in the workplace means that A - employees are expected to travel B - the company offers a variety of work arrangements C - many cultural groups are present D - work assignments continually vary
Many cultural groups are present
Usually the length of paragraph in business communication should be a - no more than 150 words B - at least 20 words C - whatever length it needs to be to include all relevant information D - 40 to 80 words on average
No more than 150 words 40 to 80 words on average
Which two of the following can often be changed into action verbs in an effort to make your writing more dynamic? A - adjectives B - nouns C - forms of the verb to be D - words that end in -ing
Nouns Forms of the verb to be
AIM is a process for _______ the writing of useful business messages. A - reviewing B - drafting C - publishing D - planning
Planning
Outgroup homogeneity effect is defined as the belief that all members of other groups are A - hostile B - the same C - unknowable D - diverse
The same
Parallel language is important when A - each team member write part of a single document b - a sentence is written in the passive voice c - the writing contains a series or list d - a connection with the writer is necessary
The writing contains a series or list
Which of the following are characteristics of collectivists? A - they give up their ambitions for group goals B - they follow group decisions C - they begin friendships mostly based on common interests D - they see themselves as interdependent
They give up their ambitions for group goals They follow group decisions They see themselves as interdependent
True or False: Business messages can be strengthened to counteract issues concerning low credibility.
True
Which of the following would be the most specific wording for a restaurant coupon offering customers a discount? A - "get 10% off when you visit our restaurant." B - "keep this coupon in order to get a phenomenal savings of 10% on an item in our restaurant" C - "customers presenting this coupon can get a discount at our restaurant when they visit us" D - "present this coupon during your next visit and receive 10% off the price of one menu item."
"Present this coupon during your next visit and receive 10% off the price of one menu item."
How many words should be in a typical paragraph of a business communication? A - 150 or more b - 100 to 150 C - 10 to 20 D - 40 to 80
40 to 80
Oksana is a member of a team that has been put in charge of designing new marketing material for her company. Each member of the team has already been assigned a role, and together they have begun working on the project. However, this morning Oksana discovered that the new company logo will need to be redesigned because it is too similar to that of another company. As a result, what kind of meeting would Oksana's team need to schedule? A - a problem-solving meeting B - a coordination meeting C - a disassociation meeting D - a forming meeting
A problem-solving meeting
In business communication, long paragraphs are generally not associated with A - writing that will be difficult to read B - a writer who expects to claim too much of the reader's time c - a writer who is disorganized D - a writer who has thought through the points of the message carefully
A writer who has thought through the point of the message carefully
In business communication, long paragraphs are generally not associated with A - a writer who expects to claim too much of the reader's time B - a writer who is disorganized C - writing that will be difficult to read D - a writer who has thought through the points of the message carefully
A writer who has thought through the points of the message carefully
A sentence written in active voice specifies the doer of the action. This is important because A - in ensures that if things go wrong, people who were not involved will not be blamed B - accountability and coordination are vital in business C - other sentence structures make the writing unprofessional D - the sentence would be gibberish without it
Accountability and coordination are vital in business
The top two writing skills that employers value are A - accuracy and clarity B - grammar and vocabulary C - clarity and grammar d - vocabulary and accuracy
Accuracy and clarity
During the reviewing stage for your message, feedback is usually not needed for which of the following type of business communication? A - a sales brochure B - an everyday message C - an employee code of conduct d - a letter to a client
An everyday message
To develop a co-culture successfully in a cross- cultural business relationship, _______ mind-set is important. A - an unwilling B - an open C - a closed D - a limiting
An open
Which of the following should you do when approaching a difficult conversation? A - approach the conversation with a learner mind-set B - resist listening to the opinions and suggestions of others and impose your own solutions C - invite others to tell their stories and describe their views and feelings D - engage in a joint process of understanding the problems and creating solutions
Approach the conversation with a learner mind-set Invite others to tell their stories and describe their views and feelings Engage in a joint process of understanding the problems and creating solutions
Which of the following are a part of developing the structure of a business message? A - analyzing the ideas behind the primary message B - identifying the audience C - arranging the logic of the primary message D -finding and framing the primary message
Arranging the logic of the primary message Finding and framing the primary message
Empathy in cross-cultural business relationships includes understanding person from different cultures in which of the following ways? A - as potentially incompetent B - as inferior C - as individuals D - as sharing business goals
As individuals As sharing business goals
The most family-centered organizational cultures are often found in A - Asia B - Europe C - South America D - north america
Asia
The psychological bonding that occurs between people and their ideas is referred to as A - association B - disassociation C - mutualism D - norming
Association
In order to approach a difficult conversation with tact and keep it "safe," you should A - assume positive intent B - adopt a judge mind-set C - speak more than listen D - use cross-examination questions
Assume positive intent
Which sentence demonstrates the most effective use of actions verbs? A - it was decided that we should have a meeting so that the controversy could be discussed B - when you are hired as an employee of our company, you will begin to receive many benefits C - at our learning center, teachers nurture each child and monitor individual progress D - our company will be restructured shortly, and then a merger with a larger firm will occur
At our learning center, teachers nurture each child and monitor individual progress
Understanding the 8 cultural dimensions allow a person to get a good sense of A - chronological histories B - basic motivations C - acceptable behaviors D - underlying goals
Basic motivations Acceptable behaviors Underlying goals
To be complete, a business communication should a - repeat the main points several times B - be accurate C - be specific D - provide all relevant information
Be accurate Be specific Provide all relevant information
When writing an effective business message, being flexible can involve which of the following? A - focusing on an either/or approach B - being open to alternative ways to address an issue C - listening to the ideas of others D - settling on a single option
Being open to alternative ways to address an issue Listening to the ideas of others
Which of the following can facilitate communication when working with those limited ability in the global language of business? A - being patient as others express themselves B - employing sports metaphors C - speaking slowly and clearly D - using interpreters when needed
Being patient as others express themselves Speaking slowly and clearly Using interpreters when needed
For business recruiters, which three of the following countries are generally considered the most valuable for a study-abroad experience? A - Brazil B - china C - the United Kingdom D - india
Brazil China India
Which of the following countries have low-trust cultures? A - the United States B - Brazil C - Saudi Arabia D - Mexico
Brazil Mexico
The purpose of the FAIR test is to ensure that a - the text addresses all sides of controversial issues B - management handles employee problems in fair way C - the quality of the writing is at least fair to good D - business communication is conducted ethically
Business communication is conducted ethically
Massiel and her boss, Marco, are having a difficult conversation about one of her clients, who is refusing to flow through on a contract. Massiel is obviously growing angry. How should Marco respond? A - by telling Massiel it does not matter what the client wants and that she needs to fix the issue B - by showing empathy and helping her channel the anger appropriately C - by growing angry himself and calling the client to complain D - by allowing himself to become frustrated with Massiel
By showing empathy and helping her channel the anger appropriately
Which two of the following are ways in which you can disagree diplomatically? A - by using i-statements B - by validating the other person's views and feelings C - by using the approach that "I'm right, you're wrong" D - by using the either/or approach
By using i-statements By validating the other person's views and feelings
The best thing to do with wordy propositional phrases is usually to A - change them into adjectives B - add enough words. to make them separate sentences C - cut all propositional phrases from the text D - change them into single-word verbs
Change them into single-world verbs
Which of the following countries has the most collectivist culture? A - the Netherlands B - the United Kingdom C - Germany D - china
China
Which of the following countries have high-trust cultures? A - France B - china C - canada D - mexico
China Canada
Which of the following are qualities that can be expressed to establish credibility in cross-cultural work relationships? A - callousness B - competence C - character D - caring
Competence Character Caring
When framing the primary message, authors of a business message should complete which of the following? A - define supporting points B - compose a brief message statement C - define the primary message D - explain message logic
Compose a brief message statement Define the primary message
In a business message, ______ words emphasize positive, harmonious relationships and positions. A - constructive B - divisive C - deductive D - passive
Constructive
The most important consideration for written business communication is A - making the document as short as possible, because readers lose interest quickly B - including every fact that might be relevant C - conveying a message that is easy to read D - designing a visually appealing document
Conveying a message that is easy to read
A brochure that is vague will give the impression that the writer lacks a - education B - authority C - social skills d - credibility
Credibility
Crystal believes that outsourcing the bookkeeping needs of her firm would save money. she researches various companies and runs the numbers for various scenarios to gather evidence of the potential savings. Which of the following best defines Crystal's message structure? A - crystal is using generalizations B - crystal is using either/or logic C - crystal is using analogies D - crystal is identifying causes and effects
Crystal is identifying causes and effects
Recent surveys indicated that public trust in corporations _____ following the economic crises of 2008 and 2009. A - decreased B - remained the same C - increased
Decreased
Most business messages are crafted using a(n) ______ approach. A - definitive B - indirect C - inductive D - deductive
Deductive
Regionally, the rates of individualism and collectivism in the United States vary, with the _____ being the most collective. A - Deep South B - Midwest C - northwest D - northeast
Deep south
Which of the following are aspects of setting up the logic of a business message? A - defining a call to action B - arranging message logic C - identifying supporting points D - describing the ideas of the message
Defining a call to action Arranging message logic Identifying supporting points
Which of the following statements are true about the use of English in international business? A - different forms of English are spoken in various English-speaking countries B - there is a strong push in international companies to replace English with chine as global business language C - the standard English used in global business communication is the English spoken in the U.S. Midwest D - many professionals in global companies speak only limited English
Different forms of English are spoken various English-speaking countries Many professionals in global companies speak only limited enlish
Which of the following are generally considered to be overused workplace terms? A - do more will less b - at the end of the day c - think outside the box D - computer proficiency
Do more with less At the end of the day think outside the box
Which of the following statements are true? A - documents look best when text is balanced with a generous amount of white space B - double-spaced documents are seldom used in business communications C - documents look more businesslike if they are designed with mostly text and not much white space D - the amount of white space helps readers form their first impression of a document
Documents look best when text is balanced with generous amount of white space Double-spaced documents are seldom used in business communications The amount of white space helps readers form their first impression of a document
Which of the following statements about the goals and stages of writing effective business messages is true? A - writers should complete the stages of business message writing in a sequential manner B - effective business writing is divided into three stages C - the stages of business writing often overlap each other
Effective business writing is divided into three stages The stages of business writing often overlap each other
The most common collaborative technologies used by virtual teams to communicate include which of the following? A - twitter B - blogs C - email D - teleconferences E - phone calls
Email Teleconferences Phone calls
In cultures with high gender egalitarianism, professional jobs and leadership roles are available to A - primarily to the wealthy B - evenly to men and women C - primarily to men D - primarily to women
Evenly to men and women
Which of the following should be included on an agenda? A - expected outcomes B - the start time C - items to be covered D - the expenditures since the last meeting
Expected outcomes The start time Items to be covered
True or False: although sometimes helpful, meeting facilitators should rarely be used in meetings.
False
True or false: if sentences in a business statement are composed in a nonassertive tone, they will always be read as nonassertive by readers.
False
True or false: in a business message, the negative traits of products and services should be emphasized.
False
True or false: the use of templates is mandatory in business messages.
False
Women often are influential in _______ decision making in low gender-egalitarianism cultures with distinct gender roles. A - professional B - family C - government D - business
Family
Empty phrases in business communication A - make paragraphs more readable and unified B - boost a writer's ability communicate C - fill space without adding meaning D - make sentence unnecessarily long
Fill space without adding meaning Make sentence unnecessarily long
People from other cultures regularly create stereotypes of Americans that are influenced by which of the following? A - films B - language C - news stories D - music
Films News stories Music
When a document is complex or full of information, headings help readers a - find their way through the document and locate areas on interest B - identify key concepts C - absorb most of the content without having to read the text D - recognize what is in each section
Find their way through the document and locate areas of interest Identify key concepts Recognize what is in each section
Rank from start to finish the four stages that teams progress through in order to reach high performance A - forming B - performing C - norming D - storming
Forming Storming Norming Performing
Readers have a difficult time navigating through paragraphs that are a - full of numerals B - wordy C - broken into short sections D - one long block of text
Full of numerals Wordy One long block of text
Which of the following are guidelines are agendas? A - get others involved in the agenda-creation process B - send the agenda out ahead of time C - make sure that you strictly adhere to the agenda D - consider placing the most important items first
Get others involved in the agenda- creation process Send the agenda out ahead of time Consider placing the most important items first
Which of the following should be accomplished when virtual teams meet in person at the beginning of the project? A - goals and objectives should be clearly articulated B - communication protocol should be determined C - tasks should be assigned and completed D - a team leader should emerge and assert his or her authority
Goals and objectives should be clearly articulated Communication protocol should be determined
Latrice, Jorge, Francesca, and Seamus are on a team tasked with producing a document on educational assessment. Each of them will contribute to the document as they work collaboratively. This is a process known as A - group writing B - multitasking C - collaborative technology D - the virtual watercooler
Group writing
Bullets and numbering A - help readers notice each item on a list B - allows the writer to repeat information C - makes items easier to remember D - slow down readers' processing of information
Help readers notice each item on a list makes items easier to remember
Which three of the following are very high in performance orientation? A - Hong Kong B - France C - the United Kingdom D - the United States
Hong Kong France The United States
Writers sometimes finalize their work without proofreading because A - professional writers have no need of proofreading B - human nature prompts people to finish a project and move on to the next one C - it is better to leave a few little errors in the document than to waste a large amount of time reading it all again.
Human nature prompts people to finish a project and move on to the next one
The primary focus of a business message should be to impress the reader with A - the message's complexity B - elegant language C - a technical vocabulary D - ideas
Ideas
Orders from first to last the following steps as they typically occur in developing sound business ideas A - research to gather information B - identification of questions and problems C - making conclusions or finding solutions
Identification of questions and problems Research to gather information Making conclusions or finding solutions
A learner mind-set helps A - establish cultural intolerance B - in becoming assimilated into another culture C - build cross-cultural relationships D - limit business growth
In becoming assimilated into another culture Build cross-cultural relationships
In a business message slanting the facts means to A - spotlight either/or logic B - be inflexible in message logic C - include only favorable information D - focus solely on negative facts
Include only favorable information
A rise in ______ can be linked to an increase in economic growth and prosperity. A - egalitarianism B - assertiveness C - individualism D - performance orientation
Individualism
According to scholars who study intercultural communication, ______ is the most influential cultural dimension. A - performance orientation B - egalitarianism and hierarchy C - uncertainty avoidance D - individualism and collectivism
Individualism and collectivism
In a cross-cultural business environment, developing empathy includes seeing members of other cultures as A - unknowable B - individuals C - stereotypes D - all the same
Individuals
Writers of well-crafted business messages possess the ability to ______ their audience. A - agitate B - influence C - entertain D - understand
Influence Understand
Which of the following attitudes is the most helpful in learning about a new culture? A - self-focused B - apathetic C - challenging D - inquisitive
Inquisitive
Junko and Miguel work for the same company. Both are considered excellent, productive employees. Junko arrives at work on time every day and never misses a deadline. Miguel does not always arrive to the office on time, and he views deadlines as suggestions. Which of the following statements is the most likely explanation for this? A - Junko is from a slow-paced culture, and Miguel is from a fast-paced one B - Both Junko and Miguel are from fast-paced cultures C - Junko is from a fast-paced culture, and Miguel is from a slow-paced one D - Both Junko and Miguel are from slow-paced cultures
Junko is from a fast-paced culture, and Miguel is from a slow-paced one
What is the key to ensuring that a message will include the right amount of information? A - let the message grow as needed as you write it, then tighten sentences to make it half that size. B - fill all available space with as much information as possible c - keep asking yourself what information will be necessary to achieve the purpose of the message D - include five or size main ideas, and back each one up with a two-sentence explanation
Keep asking yourself what information will be necessary to achieve the purpose of the message
Which of the following are characteristics of egalitarian organizations? A - leaders adopt an open management style B - leaders practice a command-and-control style C - salary ranges are wide from top to bottom D - everyone is encourage to offer an opinion
Leaders adopt an open management style Everyone is encouraged to offer an opinion
Which of the following are general characteristics of hierarchical cultures? A - those in power receive few special opportunities B - there are few status differences between leaders and others C - leaders are followed blindly and without question D - persons in power have more privileges than others
Leaders are followed blindly and without question Persons in power have more privileges than others
A listener-centered approach to business writing includes a focus on A - limited input from others B - only the message C - your own thoughts and opinions D - learning and on others
Learning and on others
Finding common ground in a conversation leads to __________ between you and the other person. A - additional issues for disagreement B - less emotional distance C - an either/or approach D - increased emotional stress
Less emotional distance
Which of the following should be done in order to effectively carry out your meeting objectives? A - let participants know how long the meeting will be B - ask the participants to create an agenda at the beginning of the meeting C - tell participants what they need to do before the meeting D - inform participants what they can expect in terms of content
Let participants know how long the meeting will be Tell participants what they need to do before the meeting Inform participants what they can expect in terms of content
Which of the following is a good approach to handling a difficult conversation? A - sharing your own beliefs, then listening to the story of the other person, then creating a shared story B - exerting your authority as a leader by telling the other person what they have done wrong C - telling the other person how things will proceed and then leaving no room for negotiation D - listening to the story of the other person first, then sharing your own story, then creating a shared story
Listening to the story of the other person first, then sharing your own story, then creating a shared story
When a sentence begins with "it is" or "there are," it can often be improved by a - starting the sentence with a filler word or phrase, such as "in fact" or "actually." B - adding a gerund to the end of the sentence C - converting the sentence structure to" noun, verb, propositional phrase D - looking for verb forms within the sentence that can be converted into a more active subject
Looking for verb forms within the sentence that can be converted into a more active subject
Which sentence is written in active voice? A - Mary hired three new employees the week after the approved the new budget B - two employees were given new assignments by management c - nine students were given awards after a list of their achievements was read aloud D - expense were calculated by the accounting department before the project was launched
Mary hired three new employees the week after the approved the new budget
Which of the following are good ways for virtual team members to get to know one another? A - members should secretly watch one another work via video camera B - members should find ways to communicate spontaneously C - members should spend personal time reviewing team members' personal Facebook pages, blogs, and other personal sites D - members should socialize in virtual environments
Members should find ways to communicate spontaneously Members should socialize in virtual environments
The frame of the primary business message should be which of the following ? A - memorable B - short C - legalistic D - emotional
Memorable Short
Which of the following are benefits of living in another culture? A - the opportunity to impress your cultural values on a different culture B - observation of how interpersonal communication is conducted C - the process of immersion into a different way of life
Observation of how interpersonal communication is conducted The process of immersion into a different way of life
The professional reputation of entry-level business people can be improved relatively quickly through which of the following? A - offering something of value to the work environment B - defining one's self as an outside to corporate culture C - being conscious of strengths and weaknesses D - repeating over and over that you are credible
Offering something of value to the work environment Being conscious of strengths and weaknesses
Which of the following words should be avoided in business communication in favor of more familiar expressions? a - upscale b - provide C - many D - opulent E - bestow F - multitude
Opulent Bestow Multitude
Which of the following are parts of the process of crafting effective business messages? A - planning B - drafting C - sorting D - reviewing E - grading
Planning Drafting Reviewing
The success of expert business writers lies in their placing greater focus on which two of the following stages? A - proofreading B - planning C - reviewing D - drafting
Planning Reviewing
Which of the following are characteristics of high future orientation in a culture? A - possessing the ability to plan to achieve future goals B - looking to the future with imagination C - valuing living in the moment D - regarding the future with little anxiety
Posing the ability to plan to achieve future goals Looking to the future with imagination
Which of the following statements about workplace priorities is not true? A - workplace priorities involved assigning importance to goals and tasks B - knowing workplace priorities is useful in planning business communication C - priorities are more constant than values D - prioritizing goals and tasks is a type of ranking
Priorities are more constant than values.
Projected cognitive similarity can occur when people project their own cultural norms and values to explain behaviors they observe in others. Which of the following statements about projected cognitive similarity are true? A - projected cognitive similarity is an efficient approach for managers with employees from a different culture B - projected cognitive similarity is helpful when trying to understand different cultures C - projected cognitive similarity is the best approach for working with international colleagues D - projected cognitive similarity can be counterproductive and dysfunctional
Projected cognitive similarity can be counterproductive and dysfunctional
Which of the following are part of clearly understanding the outcome a business professional wants to achieve while developing ideas for a business message? A - promoting a distinct position based on level of commitment B - setting aside the needs and positions of the intended audience C - achieving balance between idea outcomes and work relationships D - limiting the role of analysis in formulating ideas
Promoting a distinct position based on level of commitment Achieving balance between idea outcomes and work relationships
Understanding the constraints of the audience of a business message means that the message should be crafted to A - provide value to the audience B - challenge the beliefs of the audience C - fit the resources available to the audience D - ask the audience to exceed its authority
Provide value to the audience Fit the resources available to the audience
To demonstrate a can-do attitude in a business message, the writer should use A - qualified statements B - a pessimistic tone C - realistic assertions D - exaggerations
Realistic assertions
Right before ending a meeting that you are leading, you should A - debate action items B - recap action items C - create an action plan D - make sure role assignments are clear
Recap action items Make sure role assignments are clear
Strong analogies are important to the writing of business messages because they A - limit conclusions B - reinforce arguments C - broaden proposals D - challenge recommendations
Reinforce arguments
Which of the following are characteristics of communication in cultures considered to be high performance? A - results are valued over relationships B - feedback is regard as a means to betterment C - deadlines are emphasized D - expressions of sympathy are valued
Results are valued over relationships Feedback is regarded as a means to betterment Deadlines are emphasized
When working on revisions of a group writing project, which of the following should be considered? A - revising with a focus on the individual writers' sections, making sure each section has a thesis B - revising with a focus on the strength of the group's ideas and the audience's needs C - revising with a focus on how well and smoothly the sections of the paper flow together D - revising with a focus on language mechanics, ease of reading, and formatting
Revising with a focus on the strength of the group's ideas and the audience's needs Revising with a focus on how well and smoothly the sections of the paper flow together Revising with a focus on language mechanics, ease of reading, and formatting
Once you have a group writing project, when should you start on it? A - after a week has gone by B - when everyone has agreed on the topic C - near the deadline D - right away
Right away
Thirty to sixty minutes is the recommended amount of time you should spend preparing for which of the following types of meeting? A - impromptu B - routine C - nonroutine D - social
Routine
Which of the following is a good way to follow up after a meeting? A - share your evaluation of the meeting with the attendees B - have attendees send the leader their notes on the meeting C - distribute the agenda from the meeting D - send out the minutes from the meeting
Send out the minutes from the meeting
A study concerning reader comprehension found that a - people understood most sentences equally well, regardless of their length B - most people could easily understand sentences up to 40 words long C - sentences longer than 20 words were hard for people to understand D - the sentences what people understood most easily had no more than 10 words
Sentences longer than 20 words were hard for people to understand the sentences what people understood most easily had no more than 10 words
As a rule of thumb, what is the minimum time needed to change a professional reputation? A - six months B - one month C - two years D - one year
Six months
Which of the following are helpful ways of organizing the logic of a business message? A - sketching out the logic B - setting up truth tables c - using a computer language D - diagramming the logic
Sketching out the logic Diagramming the logic
In response to a business communication that is vague, people tend to a - start skimming to find the information they want B - feel impatient C - feel that their questions have not been answered D - read the message repeatedly until they understand the entire content
Start skimming to find the information they want Feel impatient Feel that their questions have not been answered
People rely on ______ to better understand the unfamiliar. A - attitudes B - motives C - stereotypes D - cultures
Stereotypes
In general, which of the following are results an author can expect from a carefully crafted business message with strong logic? A - greater reader skepticism B - stronger credibility C - reduced effectiveness D - increased influence
Stronger credibility Increased influence
An effective, logical business message includes which of the following characteristics? A - supported facts B - research-backed ideas C - broad generalizations D - applicability of research
Supported facts Research-backed ideas Applicability of research
When writing a business message with an indirect approach, which of the following are presented first? A - secondary message B - primary message C - call to action D - supporting reasons
Supporting reasons
In making a recommendation in the workplace, a business professional is A - identifying a problem B - taking a position C - drawing a conclusion D - stating a fact
Taking a position
Readers will usually interpret a business message containing the recreated use of the we-voice as A - team-focused B - inflexible C - pushy D - insincere
Team-focused
Which of the following is not a typical ground rule for running an effective meeting? A - that only opinions in favor of the topics under discussion should be expressed B - that participants can take only a specified amount of time in making comments C - that difference of opinion will be handled in only a specified manner D - that everyone at the meeting is expected to participate
That only opinions in favor of the topics under discussion should be expressed
Which of the following are typical perceptions that readers have a business message that includes exaggeration? A - that the message lacks realism B - that the message conveys confidence C - that the message is overly grandiose D - that the message is unbelievable
That the message lacks realism That the message is overly grandiose That the message is unbelievable
During the review process, a business writer checks to see if a document conforms to standards for impacts, access, respect, and facts. this is called A - the business standards test B - the business ethics test C - the STYLE test d - the FAIR test
The FAIR test
Using exaggeration in a business message can affect the credibility of which of the following? A - the author B - the reader C - the message itself D - the message language
The author The message itself
In a deductive business argument, the essence of the message can be gleaned from which three of the following? A - the last sentence of supporting paragraphs B - the first sentence of supporting paragraphs C - the last paragraph D - the first paragraph
The first sentence of supporting paragraphs The last paragraph The first paragraph
Which of the following are ways to ensure fairness in the member roles and contributions in a group writing project? A - the group members should clearly discuss the roles and expectations they have for one another B - the group members should consider using a team charter to state the expectations for each member C - the group members should split up contributions and time commitments equally D - the group members should divide the work based on who the strongest writers are and who has the most available time
The group members should clearly discuss the roles and expectations they have for one another The group members should consider using a team charter to state the expectations for each member The group members should split up contributions and time commitments equally
Which of the following should be done during the planning stage of group writing? A - the group should define the basic problems and issues together B - the group should develop clear and specific purposes and goals C - the group should delegate roles for researching and writing D - the group members should brainstorm independently and begin writing before meeting with others
The group should define the basic problems and issues together The group should develop clear and specific purposes and goals The group should delegate roles for researching and writing
In terms of tone, which two of the following do readers respond to best? A - the projection of positivity B - the use of either/or logic C - the strength of analogies D - concern for others
The projection of positivity Concern for others
As a group writing project progresses and individual writers encounter decisions that need to be made, which of the following should be done? A - individual writers should be trusted to make the decisions on their own B - the team should have discussions to ensure the writing reflects the views of the group C - the group should meet in real time to discuss the decisions D - members can meet in small groups but should not meet as a whole group once the writing project evolves
The team should have discussions to ensure the writing reflects the views of the group The group should meet in real time to discuss the decisions
In the specific paragraph, which sentences should be reworded because they fail to provide a specific subject? There are many people who want to purchase our merchandise. There are several reasons for this, including having a large budget for advertising. it is very effective in bringing in shoppers looking for bargains. Consequently, it is our plan to increase sales volume by 10 % this year.
There are many people who want to purchase our merchandise there are several reasons for this, including having a large budget for advertising Consequently, it is our plan to increase sales volume by 10 % this year
Individualists will exit friendships and relationships for which of the following reasons? A - they lack mutual satisfaction B - they are no longer convenient C - they are not beneficial D - they lack emphasis on group goals
They lack mutual satisfaction They are no longer convenient They are not beneficial
Which of the following is a characteristic that effective teams possess? A - they spend little time discussing work issues B - they go with the flow C - they spend time discussing values, norms, and goals D - they embrace a singular viewpoint
They spend time discussing values, norms, and goals
When composing a document, expert business writers spend most of their time a - writing the first draft of the text B - reviewing the first draft and rewriting parts of it C - thinking about how the message will affect readers
Thinking about how the message will affect readers
When working with people from different cultures it's often necessary to adjust your conceptions of ______ in order to minimize frustrations and conflict. A - friendships B - time C - honesty D - distances
Time
Which of the following are valued in communication within cultures considered to be low performance? A - time is perceived in relaxed fashion B - goals are discussed without measurement mechanisms C - financial incentives are emphasized D - feedback is viewed negatively
Time is perceived in relaxed fashion Goals are discussed without measurement mechanisms Feedback is viewed negatively
What is the primary purpose of a meeting? A - to create a plan of action B - to build consensus on small issues C - to prioritize timelines D - to lead others to your way of thinking
To create a plan of action
Which of the following is the purpose of having a single group member polish the final version of a group writing project? A - to rewrite sections written by poor writers B - to ensure a consistent voice C - to avoid hurting the feelings of team members with poor writing skills D - to give the team leader something to do
To ensure a consistent voice
For the purpose of business communication, which of the following sentences should be rewritten to replace overblown or stuffy words? A - let our friendly staff help you find exactly what you need and place an order for you when you are ready B - to facilitate the learning experience, our educators maintain a compendium of each student's accomplishments C - we offer commodious lodgings and ambrosial cuisine D - our guests enjoy elegant dining, fun-filled adventures, and beautiful scenery
To facilitate the learning experience, our educators maintain a compendium of each student's accomplishments We offer commodious lodgings and ambrosial cuisine
What is the main purpose of navigational design? A - to fill the page with as much information as possible b - to make the document look elegant C - to hold the reader's interest as long as possible D - to make the message easy to navigate
To make the message easy to navigate
True or false: Future orientation can be defined as a willingness to forego current desires in order to achieve future goals and desires.
True
Which of the following are benefits of becoming friends with an international student? A - understand the process of living in an unfamiliar culture B - learn about group tours and study abroad programs elsewhere C - help the international student feel at home in your country D - gain knowledge of another culture
Understand the process of living in an unfamiliar culture Help the international student feel at home in your country Gain knowledge of another culture
When highlighting words or phrases, it is best to A - use italics for the main ideas only B - use this formatting sparingly C - underline at least one entire sentence at a time D - use one type of formatting at a time
Use this formatting sparingly Use one type of formatting at a time
To make business writing easier to read and comprehend, you should a - make the writing sound lyrical, like poetry B - aim for a second- or third-grade reading level c - write the way the reader thinks and talks D - write in a brief, formal style, using no adjectives or adverbs
Write the way the reader thinks and talks
When focusing on complex business problems, _______ is generally an essential part of the idea-development process. A - legal research B - a statistical analysis C - producing a report D - writing down ideas
Writing down ideas
True or false: Business professionals who are culturally intelligent believe other cultures can possess different yet valid approaches to business-management practices.
True
Knowing which secondary audience might view a business communication, its author might need to A - provide additional background information B - include misleading information C - make the communication less civil D - avoid including some confidential content
Provide additional background information Avoid including some confidential content
When reviewing a business communication, it is best to seek feedback from A - respected colleagues B - business competitors C - random strangers, asking them for honest answers D - people who have demonstrated good judgement
Respected colleagues People who have demonstrated good judgement
True or false: a business message may contain content that, despite sound logic and well-argued points, will be disagreeable to some of its audience.
True
True or false: depending on the message, the duration of the review process of business messages ranges from only a few minutes to more than a month.
True
Which of the following are effective guidelines for achieving a natural writing style that is easy to read? A - use action verbs B - use short, simple words C - use a doer-action-object(noun-verb-direct object) sentence pattern D - leave out the subject noun from sentences whenever possible
Use action verbs Use short, simple words Use a doer-action-object (noun-verb-direct object) sentence pattern
When a writer chooses big words that are not common, the reader will most likely A - be impressed by the writer's education b - take the writer more seriously C - be distracted from the message
Be distracted from the message
Headings and subheadings within a document should A - be formatted consistently throughout B - be formatted to highlight the most important section C - describe the contents of each section D - be clever or humorous
Be formatted consistently throughout Describe the contents of each section
Passive voice is sometimes the best choice when the writer wants to A - be perceived as neutral B - avoid blaming anyone C - achieve an action-oriented tone D - avoid sounding bossy
Be perceived as neutral Avoid blaming anyone avoid sounding bossy
When solving business problems the first step is to A - clarify who is affected B - develop the solution C - analyze the problem D - identify the problem
Identify the problem
Which of the following are aspect of setting up the logic of a business message? A - identifying supporting points B - defining a call to action C - arranging message logic D - describing the ideas of the message
Identifying supporting points Defining a call to action Arranging message logic
Setting up the logic of the message consists of A - identifying the secondary message B - identifying the call to action C - identifying supporting points in the message D - clarifying the message's audience
Identifying the call to action Identifying supporting points in the message
Feedback is helpful because readers who provide feedback can A - imagine how the intended reader will respond to the text B - offer suggestions for improving the text C - look up facts mentioned in the text and ensure that they are accurate D - improve the text by rewriting it
Imagine how the intended reader will respond to the text offer suggestions for improving the text
Which of the following should be avoided in business writing? A - implication of adversarial positions B - suggestions of accomplishment C - emphasis on differences D - emphasis on solidarity
Implication of adversarial positions Emphasis on differences
Which of the following are advantages to using video during virtual team meetings? A - it allows members to better interpret verbal and nonverbal cues B - it can lead to faster decision making C - it keeps members more present and accountable D - it allows meeting minutes to be more concise
It allows members to be better interpret verbal and nonverbal cues It can lead to faster decision making It keeps members more present and accountable
Which of the following are reasons that workplace cultural diversity is valued by business professionals? A - it is required by law B - it has a moral value C - it leads to better performances D - it contributes to better decision making
It has a moral value It leads to better performances It contributes to better decision making
Which of the following statements about visiting person in another culture are accurate? A - meals and banquets provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate knowledge of the other culture's etiquette B - you should avoid small talk in both formal and informal gatherings when visiting another culture C - you should be aware that in some cultures certain topics are considered taboo for conversation D - following proper etiquette in another culture is way you can make a good first impression
Meals and banquets provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate knowledge of the other culture's etiquette You should be aware that in some cultures certain topics are consider taboo for conversation Following proper etiquette in another culture is way you can make a good first impression
Many business people prefer to avoid difficult conversations because they worry that _____ may backfire. A - Moments of honesty B - Hearing critique of their work C - Listening to others
Moments of honesty
Which of the following sentences have buzzwords, figures of speech, or slang? a - our proactive strategy ensures a positive outcome for anyone willing to put some elbow grease into it B - our state-of the-art facilities and friendly staff have what it take sot make your wildest dreams come true C - a good time will be had by all who attend our conference.. D - become part of our highly regarded organization and enjoy all the benefits we have to offer
Our proactive strategy ensures a positive outcome for anyone willing to put some elbow grease into it Our state-of-the-art facilities and friendly staff have what it takes to make your wildest dreams come true a good time will be had by all who attend our conference...
Which of the following common cultural traits are generally valued by businesses around the world? A - uncertainty avoidance B - performance orientation C - humane orientation D - egalitarianism
Performance orientation Humane orientation Egalitarianism
Business writers who effectively craft their message do which of the following? A - remember the values of their audience B - foresee the reaction of their audience C - keep the needs of secondary audiences in mind d - disregard any form of personal credibility
Remover the values of their audience Foresee the reaction of their audience keeps the needs of secondary audiences in mind
Which of the following describe a quality of a high-uncertainty-avoidance culture? A - resisting change B - tolerating rule breaking C - valuing clear expectations D - emphasizing consistency
Resisting change Valuing clear expectations Emphasizing consistency
Action verbs help business writers prompt their readers to A - respond to the message b - feel positive about the message and the writer C - read the message more carefully D - believe the writer can get the job done
Respond to the message Feel positive about the message and the writer Believe the writer can get the job done
During the course of a group writing project, it is important to A - stay silent and forge ahead B - wait until the deadline is near before you start writing C - stay flexible and open D - work independently and try to do a better job than your teammates
Stay flexible and open
Certain figures of speech, such as idioms and metaphors, are generally not used in business writing because A - they are a sign of poor education B - they are too technical C - they have been overused d - their meaning is not precise
They have been overused their meaning is not precise
True or false: when moving to or working with a new a culture, time should be set aside for making and adjustment.
True
Successfully forming a co-culture in a cross-cultural business environment involves the ability to handle A - ethnocentrism B - rigidity C - assertiveness D - uncertainty
Uncertainty
Which of the following are reasons why creating a tradition for starting meetings is important? A - it can create a common sense of purpose B - it can fill the time while waiting for latecomers C - it can be a light way to open people up at the start of meetings D - it can reinforce the core values of the organization
It can create a common sense of purpose It can be a light way to open people up at the start of meetings It can reinforce the core values of the organization
Tom is a team leader. Joe is a team member who interrupts Tom and other team members during their meetings. Joe does not have constructive comments but instead makes negative comments about what the team member is saying. Tom pulls Joe aside after a meeting. Which of the following should Tom say to deal with the situation constructively? A - "At the next meeting, please apologize to the entire team about how rude and unhelpful you have been." B - "At the next meeting, please let your team members finish what they are saying before you comment." C - "At the next meeting, I don't want you to speak at all. Do you understand?" D - "At the next meeting, I am going to ask team members to rudely interrupt you when you speak so you know how it feels."
"At the next meeting, please let your team members finish what they are saying before you comment."
Which of the following is the biggest barrier to team effectiveness according to business professionals? A - ineffective goal-setting B - ineffective communication C - low morale D - low productivity
Ineffective communication
When those from less assertive cultures answer a "yes" or "no" question, there answer is a - usually "yes" B - often in the form of a question C - often vague D - usually "no"
Often vague
Which of the following are the effects of a positive workplace attitude? A - it curbs influence on clients B - it improves work performance C - it enhances creativity D - it provides motivation
It improves work performance it enhances creativity It provides motivation
In a business message, mixed signals come about when there is a conflict between signals such as tone and A - unsupported generalizations B - the message frame C - message content D - the structure of the message
Message content
They underlying, overall message that people get from a business communication is called the _______ message of the communication.
Meta
Which of the following are benefits of recognizing the contributions of others in business messages? A - increased animosity B - better working relationships C - limits to future autonomy D - credit given in return on other projects
Better working relationships Credit given in return on other projects
In business communication, how many ideas or topics does a paragraph usually address? A - two or three b - one to three C - one D - two
One
The primary challenge of virtual team meetings, as reported by professionals in virtual teams, is A - the lack of time to build relationships B - the distraction caused by team members' mobile devices C - members being late in joining meetings D - infighting among team members
The lack of time to build relationships
When applying the FAIR test to a document, the writer should make sure that A - the message includes accurate facts that have not been slanted B - recipients of the message had access as the text was being prepared C - the message is considerate of people's values and feelings D - text was not influenced by how it would affect various stakeholders
The message includes accurate facts that have not been slanted Recipients of the message had access as the text was being prepared The message is considerate of people's value and feelings
Present-oriented organizations and businesses can be described by which of the following statements? A - they form extensive plans for emergencies B - they emphasize long-term strategy formation C - they use long-term goals to make short-term decisions D - they address events and situations as they occur
They address events and situations as they occur
Individualists will exit friendships and relationships for which of the following reasons? A - they lack emphasis on group goals B - they are no longer convenient C - they are not beneficial D - they lack mutual satisfaction
They are no longer convenient They are not beneficial
The important principle in business writing is A - to maintain a conversational tone in the message B - to make each sentence as elegant as possible C - to say what needs to be said in as few words as possible D - to keep the message short by including no more than two main points
To say what needs to be said in as few words as possible
When deciding how much white space to leave on a page, it is important to consider that a - too little white space makes the text look cluttered B - the area called "white space" in document designs refers to the color C - too much white space makes the text look daunting D - too much white space makes the text looks sparse
Too little white space makes the text look cluttered Too much white space makes the text look sparse
Writers of well-crafted business message possess the ability to _______ their audience. A - agitate B - understand C - influence D - entertain
Understand Influence entertain
When business thinkers are mentally flexible, they possess the ability to A - understand contrasting views B - focus on linear thinking C - hold conventional views D - embrace either/or thinking
Understand contrasting views
Which of the following sentences contain repentant words or phrases? A - we will be happy to aid and assist you with your project b - each year we sponsor an annual retreat that includes friends and family members C - we base our evaluations on a company's past history D - we offer an incentive package to all prospective clients
We will be happy to aid and assist you with your project each year we sponsor an annual retreat that includes friends and family members We base our evaluations on a company's past history
What question should the writer ask when deciding whether to reword a sentence that begins with "it is"? A - does the sentence contain a prepositional phrase that could serve as the subject instead? B - can "it is" be moved to the end of the sentence ? C - what does "it" refer to? D - does the verb agree with the subject?
What does "it" refer to?
Rhonda is having a difficult conversation with a colleague. Which of the following are examples that Rhonda may be oversimplifying the conversation? A - "what i hear you saying is you were not provided the proper tools to complete the task." B - "you never follow the guidelines" C - "i think i understand how you feel" D - "either you adhere to protocol or there will be consequences"
"You never follow the guidelines" "Either you adhere to protocol or there will be consequences"
Which of the following statements about the advantages of action verbs in business writing are true? A - action verbs reduce the length of sentences B - action verbs spur the reader to action C - action verbs sound more scholarly than other verb forms D - action verbs make the writing seem more lively
Action verbs reduce the length of sentences action verbs spur the reader to action action verbs make the writing seem more lively
The strategy of periodically rotating virtual team leaders accomplishes which of the following? A - it helps team members develop leadership skills B - it helps energize the team C - it reduces regular communication D - it prevents burnout among leaders
It helps team members develop leadership skills It helps energize the team It prevents burnout among leaders
Which of the following are characteristics of ethnocentrism ? A - it is a belief in the superiority of one's culture B - it is a key in developing empathy with a person from another culture C - it provides individuals necessary self-esteem D - it is harmful to cross-cultural relationships
It is a belief in the superiority of one's culture It is harmful to cross-cultural relationships
Which of the following statements are true about cultural intelligence? A - it is limited to what is learned through experiences with other cultures B - it is an assessment of adaptability to people from different cultures C - it is an assessment of interpersonal emotional skills D - it can grow over time with focused work
It is an assessment of adaptability to people from different cultures It can grow over time with focused work
Which of the following best describes team performance during the norming stage? A - it rises then falls B - it starts high, falls, then rises again C - it is generally rising D - it is generally falling
It is generally rising
Which of the following sentences should be rephrased to use parallel language? A - our success will depend on anticipating market demand, tailoring our product to customer needs, and a cost-effective advertising strategy B - many entrepreneurs are adventurous and create jobs for others c - a real estate agent will help you search for property, understand the procedures, and paperwork. d - the office manager supervises employees, makes bank deposits, and orders supplies
Our success will depend on anticipating market demand, tailoring our product to customer needs, and a cost-effective advertising strategy Many entrepreneurs are adventurous and create jobs for others a real estate agent will help you search for property, understand the procedures, and paperwork
Which of the following are common reasons for establishing virtual teams? A - time zone differences have no impact B - they are convenient C - they are cost-effective D - experts who are not in the same location can be brought together
They are convenient They are cost-effective Experts who are not in the same location can be brought together
Which of the following are true about bad meetings? A - they can create division among team members B - they are a waste of time C - they can boost morale among employees D - they can increase employee productivity
They can create division among team members They are a waste of time
Which of the following are characteristics of business people with high cultural intelligence who are working with members of other cultures? A - the have an inability to settle differences B - they can succeed only solo projects C - they can establish objectives D - they have the ability to develop global marketing plans
They can establish objectives They have the ability to develop global marketing plans
Which of the following statements about collaborative technologies are true? A - they can help virtual teams communicate and collaborate more efficiently B - some virtual team members may need training so they do not feel overwhelmed by the technologies C - the virtual team leaders should select the collaborative technology products the team will use D - most collaborative technologies are out of date and ineffective
They can help virtual teams communicate and collaborate more efficiently Some virtual team members may need training so they do not feel overwhelmed by the technologies
For the purpose of business communication, which of the following sentences should be rewritten to replace overblow or stuffy words? A - let our friendly staff help you find exactly what you need and place an order for you when you are read B - to facilitate the learning experience our educators maintain a compendium of each student's accomplishments C - our guests enjoy elegant dining, fun-filled adventures, beautiful scenery D - we offer commodious lodgings and ambrosial cuisine
To vacillate the learning experience our educators maintain a compendium of each student's accomplishments We offer commodious lodgings and ambrosial cuisine
Which of the following statements about individualism are true? A - it values individual over group goals B - it values choice over obligation C - it values independence more than interdependence D - it values family over individual identity
It values individual over group goals It values choice over obligation It values independence more than interdependence