Deck 9: Workplace and Organizational Communication

Question 1

Communicative exchanges that occur between people within a workplace are aimed toward accomplishing workplace goals and objectives are known as ______ communication.

A) workplace
B) organizational
C) task-oriented
D) business

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Organizational communication is the process through which workplace members develop, maintain, and modify workplace practices through their communication with both ______ (e.g., superior, subordinates) and ______ (e.g., clients, stakeholders) audiences.

A) external; internal
B) peer; professional
C) internal; external
D) inclusive; exclusive

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Robert is Sarah's assistant. Each morning, Robert presents a list of relevant updates and/or messages left for Sarah from the previous workday when he brings her a coffee. Robert's communication to Sarah is an example of ______ communication.

A) downward
B) upward
C) horizontal
D) informal

Answer 3

B

Question 4

What are the two types of communication network?

A) sanctioned and unsanctioned
B) ritualized and mundane
C) positive and negative
D) formal and informal

Question 5

Downward communication is an example of a(n) ______ communication network.

A) sanctioned
B) formal
C) ritualized
D) negative

Question 6

Which statement is true regarding gossip?

A) It can include positive or negative information.
B) It is part of formal communication networks.
C) It is detrimental to workplace productivity.
D) It tends to aggravate rather than relieve tension.

Question 7

Face-to-face interactions, written communication, mediated communication, and mass communication are all forms of ______, or the means through which workplace messages are transmitted.

A) communication networks
B) communication climates
C) communication webs
D) communication channels

Question 8

What is the most prevalent channel in today's workplace?

A) face to face
B) mass communication
C) mediated communication
D) written communication

Question 9

In what type of communication climate do workplace members engage in conflict resolution?

A) supportive
B) defensive
C) anticipatory
D) peer

Question 10

Because defensive communication climates create a lack of trust and empathy, it can result in ______.

A) more upward communication
B) workers putting more in writing
C) an increase in apathy
D) workers treating everyone the same

Question 11

Katrina called a meeting with Matthew to discuss his performance evaluation. She discussed his progress on the current tasks and asked if he had any questions moving forward. This is an example of what kind of communication network?

A) downward communication
B) upward communication
C) horizontal communication
D) lateral communication

Question 12

Diana and Aidan had lunch together in the conference room. They talked about their new coworker, Morgan, and discussed how she does not seem to have any experience or knowledge of the position. They criticized the company to each other for hiring Morgan. What kind of communication network does this describe?

A) upward communication
B) downward communication
C) horizontal communication
D) informal communication

Question 13

Workers may play the hero, the outlaw, the high priest, or a cabal member at their workplace. This is an example of ______ elements of cultural artifacts in the workplace.

A) role
B) symbolic
C) interactive
D) contextual

Question 14

When a line cook tells a staff of servers to "86 the onion rings" because they are out of the item, their use of jargon is an example of ______ elements of workplace artifacts.

A) contextual
B) interactive
C) role
D) symbolic

Question 15

Which of these is a type of artifact in an organization?

A) symbolic
B) artificial
C) displaced
D) jargon

Question 16

At the toy company Marnie works for, there is a big holiday celebration every year for employees at a catering hall with a grab bag giveaway of the company's newest toys. Which artifact is the holiday celebration considered to be?

A) symbolic artifact
B) role artifact
C) interactive element
D) contextual element

Question 17

The foundations of a workplace's existence, such as its history or location, are classified as ______ of workplace artifacts.

A) interactive elements
B) contextual elements
C) roles
D) symbolic practices

Question 18

Which statement best defines workplace culture?

A) workplace celebrations of the diversity of the members of the team
B) the means by which workplace messages are transmitted between and among coworkers
C) thoughts, actions, and behaviors of employees that emerge as a result of work interactions
D) the process through which members of the workplace contribute toward reaching their strategic goals

Question 19

Award banquets, gift exchanges, and other informal and formal communicative events in the workplace are considered ______.

A) symbolic artifacts
B) role artifacts
C) interactive elements
D) contextual elements

Question 20

An adventure tourism company has a company slogan, "Live each day to the fullest," in its mission statement and website. This slogan drives the employees' work behavior. This is an example of ______.

A) artifacts
B) values
C) assumptions
D) objectives

Question 21

The book gives an example of the Clif Bar organization having the expectation that employees will adopt an eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle. The expectation is reflected in business practices and is resistant to change. This is an example of a(n) ______.

A) artifact
B) value
C) assumption
D) contextual element

Question 22

How do organizational newcomers learn what they need to know to become contributing members of the workplace?

A) workplace socialization
B) workplace culture
C) contextual elements
D) interactive elements

Question 23

In the anticipatory stage of workplace socialization, individuals ______.

A) attend orientation sessions
B) consult sources about a specific job or workplace
C) engage in a variety of information-seeking strategies
D) often receive memorable messages

Question 24

The glassdoor.com website, which allows for employees to post reviews of organizations, could easily function as a tool for compiling information and reviews on a variety of workplaces, otherwise known as the ______ stage of ______.

A) anticipatory; workplace socialization
B) anticipatory; acculturation
C) assimilation; workplace socialization
D) assimilation; acculturation

Question 25

Internships are common ways to gain information about potential employers during the ______ stage of workplace socialization.

A) introductory
B) assimilation
C) anticipatory
D) exit

Question 26

In which stage of workplace socialization do individuals enter the encounter and metamorphosis stages?

A) introductory
B) assimilation
C) anticipatory
D) exit

Question 27

The encounter phase of the assimilation stage of workplace socialization is seen as a ______ phase.

A) social
B) task-oriented
C) breaking-in
D) supportive

Question 28

Which of these helps to facilitate the way workplace members move from the encounter phase to the metamorphosis phase of the assimilation stage of workplace socialization?

A) information seeking
B) values
C) self-disclosure
D) workplace policies

Question 29

In Phoebe's first meeting with her new boss, she is told that in her new job, the more questions she asks, the better. What is this type of message called?

A) a pep talk
B) a memorable message
C) a company motto
D) mentor-protégé communication

Question 30

Imagine you have just started your new job as a server at Woody's Wild Wings. A customer asks if she can substitute a baked potato for French fries, but you're not sure, so you ask the shift manager. You have just used the ______ strategy.

A) third-party
B) testing
C) indirect
D) overt

Question 31

Employees hope to embrace the norms and values of the workplace during the ______ phase of assimilation.

A) anticipatory phase
B) encounter phase
C) metamorphosis phase
D) gearing-up phase

Question 32

Which of these is considered an organizational information-seeking strategy?

A) research
B) socialization
C) disguising conversations
D) spying

Question 33

Garret was not sure if he was allowed to use his sick time when he was on vacation. Instead of asking, when he filled out his timesheet, he noted a sick day and waited to see if anyone noticed. What type of information-seeking strategy did Garret use?

A) indirect
B) testing
C) observing
D) disguising conversations

Question 34

Jenny is interested in going to a conference to learn new computer skills that can be applied to her job. She knows the conference is expensive, and in her former job, the expense would not have been covered, so she is hesitant to ask. She watches another employee ask to go to a conference to see how she might word it in the future to get her boss's approval. What type of information-seeking strategy is she using?

A) testing
B) third-party
C) observing
D) surveillance

Question 35

When an employee either quits, retires, gets promoted, gets laid off, or is reclassified, what stage of workplace socialization has occurred?

A) encounter stage
B) turning-point stage
C) shift stage
D) exit stage

Question 36

Why is the exit stage of socialization important?

A) It affects the anticipatory stage of socialization when the exiting employee starts a new job.
B) It affects the quality of the training of an individual's replacement.
C) It determines the post-separation perception of the employer and employee toward one another.
D) It can affect the employee's ability to obtain a good recommendation.

Question 37

When workers believe their superiors will take their concerns seriously and don't fear retaliation, what type of dissent to do they usually choose?

A) upward dissent
B) lateral dissent
C) displaced dissent
D) downward dissent

Question 38

When complaints and concerns are discussed with coworkers rather than superiors, it is known as ______.

A) downward dissent
B) upward dissent
C) lateral dissent
D) displaced dissent

Question 39

Ben came storming out of the school staff meeting feeling furious with administrators for rejecting his ideas for the new school fundraiser that he envisioned would be very lucrative for the school. Feeling like he will get nowhere by complaining to the principal, he speaks loudly to the other teachers in the teacher's room and says he will be looking for jobs in more progressive districts. What kind of dissent is Ben engaging in?

A) spiral dissent
B) retaliation dissent
C) removed dissent
D) lateral dissent

Question 40

Sharing your concerns (e.g., about workplace decisions, practices, or policies) with people who do not work with you is known as ______.

A) upward dissent
B) lateral dissent
C) displaced dissent
D) outsider dissent

Question 41

Which of these is a tendency of those who engage in displaced dissent?

A) They are comfortable with conflict.
B) They fear retaliation.
C) They also engage in upward dissent.
D) They hold managerial positions.

Question 42

What is the value of expressing workplace dissent?

A) It helps achieve promotional opportunities.
B) It gets the employee in the spotlight.
C) It makes both parties feel better.
D) It exposes unethical behavior.

Question 43

Tess has talked with her boyfriend about her problems at work, and he has convinced her to take action instead of complaining to him. Tess texts her boss, Jim, a list of the issues that are causing her stress and dissatisfaction at work. She doesn't understand why Jim seems extremely unhappy with her when she arrives at work the next day. What is likely the source of her boss's displeasure?

A) Tess's problems are not Jim's problems, and he cares only about her work performance.
B) Texting was an inappropriate channel for upward communication of this nature.
C) Jim expects complaints to be communicated formally, via letter or memo.
D) Tess is taking her work too seriously and creating a defensive work environment.

Question 44

The long-term interactions that occur between coworkers who work at the same organization are known as ______.

A) organizational communication
B) workplace dissent
C) task talking
D) workplace relationships

Question 45

A relationship in which one coworker formally outranks the other either by role or title is called ______.

A) boss-employee
B) mentor-protege
C) superior-subordinate
D) senior-junior

Question 46

Martina and Jameel have worked in the same department in the same capacity for 4 years. They became valuable to one another as friends as well as colleagues, talking about everything from their common tasks to their musical tastes to politics. They have supported one another through personal and work challenges for years. When their supervisor was promoted, they encouraged one another to apply for his job. Jameel was hired, and he will now be Martina's boss. Their workplace relationship is changing from ______ to ______.

A) information peer; special peer
B) special peer; superior-subordinate
C) romantic; special peer
D) collegial peer; superior-subordinate

Question 47

Sarah and Joe are both sales members for their company's executive sales team. Sarah has worked for the company for about two years longer than Joe has. She experiences some of the perks of seniority (e.g., higher salary and established relationships with supervisors) but nonetheless fills the same position as him. Which type of workplace relationship is Sarah and Joe's?

A) peer
B) romantic
C) equitable
D) superior-subordinate

Question 48

What type of peer might talk to you about work concerns and possibly give you advice about the steps to take on an upcoming maternity leave?

A) information
B) collegial
C) communication
D) empathic

Question 49

Gabriella and Brian were asked by their manager to work together on implementing a new computer system. They greet each other each day with a warm "Hello" and discuss their progress and what needs to be done. Throughout the day, they consult each other on the particulars of the new technology. What type of workplace peer relationship do they have?

A) information
B) special
C) collegial
D) romantic

Question 50

Which type of workplace peer relationship is the most common?

A) special
B) collegial
C) information
D) romantic

Question 51

Which is an accurate statement regarding collegial peer relationships?

A) They are characterized by low levels of self-disclosure.
B) They are the least common of peer relationships.
C) These peers' communication is focused exclusively on work issues.
D) These peers help each other's professional and personal development.

Question 52

Beth and Diana have been workplace friends for several years, but recently, Diana became upset with Beth when Beth told Diana's boss that Diana was looking for other jobs. Over time, Diana slowly stopped communicating with Beth at all, aside from when necessary for work-related tasks, and their friendship ultimately ended. How did their friendship end?

A) state-of-relationship talk
B) depersonalization
C) cost escalation
D) cold shouldering

Question 53

Tyson and Belinda have bonded over their sarcastic complaints about their boss, Judith, for more than two years. Belinda notices Tyson spending more time in Judith's office and asks Tyson what is happening. He admits he and Judith are dating. Belinda tells him this horrifies her and if he continues to see Judith they can no longer be friends. Tyson tells Belinda he does not intend to stop dating Judith and is hurt that Belinda feels this way. They agree they are no longer friends and, from now on, will talk only if they must in the course of their work. What form of disengagement does this represent?

A) state-of-relationship talk
B) depersonalization
C) cost escalation
D) cold shouldering

Question 54

What is the most common type of workplace friendship disengagement?

A) state-of-relationship talk
B) cost escalation
C) depersonalization
D) displaced dissent

Question 55

According to the text, which is one way in which workplace friends might disengage from each other?

A) de-escalation talk
B) cost escalation
C) cold shouldering
D) disintegrating communication

Question 56

Which statement is true of workplace romantic relationships?

A) They inevitably arise from work-spouse relationships.
B) They typically involve a lower level of emotion than relationships occurring outside the workplace.
C) They can be the trigger for claims of sexual harassment or complaints of a hostile work environment.
D) They usually result in improved job performance.

Question 57

How are workplace romantic relationships like workplace friendships?

A) They are voluntary and personal.
B) They carry an intense level of emotion.
C) They are often frowned upon by employers.
D) They tend to fuel gossip.

Question 58

Paul and Marissa have worked together for 12 years. They have lunch in the company cafeteria every day and use that time to talk about their jobs, their kids, and their lives. Although they are both married, their spouses understand their close relationship, and the couples socialize outside the workplace. What type of workplace relationship is this?

A) mentor-protégé
B) work-spouse
C) friendship
D) collegial peer

Question 59

Which statement is true regarding work-spouse relationships?

A) Because they are intimate, they inevitably lead to romantic relationships.
B) They occur in coworkers who are physically attracted to one another.
C) The participants can encounter blurred personal and professional boundaries.
D) They are motivated by a need for excitement and adventure.

Question 60

The talk that happens around the water cooler or coffee machine at work helps establish informal communication networks.

Question 61

Communication networks are the means through which workplace messages are transmitted between and among coworkers.

Question 62

Workplace culture does not simply exist; it is communicatively created by its members.

Question 63

The three levels of workplace culture are artifacts, traditions, and assumptions.

Question 64

Any visible or tangible characteristic of a workplace that you can see, hear, or feel is referred to as an artifact.

Question 65

Values are the taken-for-granted beliefs, perceptions, and feelings that members of an organization hold about themselves, their relationship with coworkers, and the workplace itself.

Question 66

The three stages of workplace socialization are the anticipatory stage, the performance stage, and the exit stage.

Question 67

Employees gather information about the workplace and reflect on the meaning of work during the anticipatory stage of workplace socialization.

Question 68

When you use the indirect, third-party, testing, and observing information-seeking strategies, you have a particular information source in mind.

Question 69

The overt information-seeking strategy is often used by new employees to obtain factual and procedural information.

Question 70

Downward communication is a short and simple yet serious statement uttered by a superior and targeted toward a particular subordinate that is intended to reinforce appropriate work behavior and conduct.

Question 71

Workplace rebellion occurs when you express disagreement or contradictory opinions about the workplace and its policies, practices, and employees.

Question 72

The choice of which kind of dissent to use is often based on the perception of whether the response to the trigger event will be viewed as constructive or adversarial.

Question 73

Workers who express upward dissent tend to have a low-quality relationship with their superiors, marred by distrust.

Question 74

Mentor-protégé relationships develop between an experienced colleague who has attained career success and a less advanced colleague who demonstrates the potential to be equally successful at work.

Question 75

Peer relationships are formed between coworkers who have no formal authority over one another.

Question 76

As peer relationships develop (i.e., from information peer to collegial peer to special peer), communication will become more frequent, more intimate, more personal, and less cautious.

Question 77

Relationships between collegial peers are characterized by high levels of self-disclosure and trust.

Question 78

Physical proximity increases the chances of both workplace friendships and romances developing.

Question 79

Work-spouse relationships are one type of romantic relationship.

Question 80

What are the functions of horizontal communication?