Deck 11: C: Communicating in Organizations

Question 1

In your own words, define sexual harassment.
Answer Key

Answer 1

Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that explicitly or implicitly affects a person's employment; unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance; or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Question 2

In your own words, define the terms mentor and protégé.

Answer 2

A mentor is a seasoned and well-respected member of an organization who serves as a role model for a less experienced individual. A protégé is someone who is less experienced or new to the organization.

Question 3

Why do communication researchers believe peer relationships and peer communication are important in organizations?

Answer 3

We spend more time at work than we used to and many of our friendships are developed within the workplace and other types of organizations to which we belong. Having strong relationships at work increases our level of satisfaction at work and may lead to greater productivity.

Question 4

Provide an example of a work-life balance program offered through your own employer or another employer you have read or heard about.

Question 5

Classical management relies on what two central ideas?

Question 6

In your own words, define organizational communication.

Question 7

Why would an organization engage in surveillance activities, as it is defined in your textbook?

Question 8

What term does your textbook use to refer to someone who has achieved great things for an organization through persistence and commitment, often in the face of great risk?

Question 9

In a single sentence, explain the difference between the human relations approach to organizational management and the human resources approach.

Question 10

The systems approach suggests that to be successful, an organization must maintain ____________, which is an awareness of its own imbalances and problems, and it must remain ___________, allowing for change and growth.

Question 11

What does the term media richness mean?

Question 12

Cite one benefit and one challenge created by globalization.

Question 13

Provide an example of an organization of which you are a member.

Question 14

When communicating with another person about a conflict, it is best to focus on the ______ and try to find a ___________.

Question 15

Which approach to organizational management is described as treating people like they are a part in a machine?