Deck 9: Professional Relationships

Question 1

Gossip serves an important social function in organizations because it can

A) humanize the workplace and helps employees bond with one another.
B) let employees feel superior to their boss.
C) curtail employee misbehavior.
D) give employees accurate information about the organization, individuals, and their relationships.
E) open up and use informal channels of communication.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

What kind of interview do high school seniors experience when they visit a college campus and are interviewed by an admissions officer or group of faculty members?

A) selection interview
B) appraisal interview
C) disciplinary interview
D) exit interview
E) information-gathering interview

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Your textbook suggests six criteria for a satisfying co-worker relationship. Which criterion answers this question: Do we have compatible values about the quality and style of our work?

A) individual excellence
B) interdependence
C) investment
D) information
E) integration

Answer 3

A

Question 4

In his book, Dealing with Difficult People, Hal Plotkin recommends a six-step approach to providing feedback to such people and to helping them realize their full potential. Which of the recommendations does Plotkin identify as the first step?

A) Identify specific successes and failures.
B) Stop talking and start listening.
C) Describe the implications of the behavior.
D) Link past accomplishments to needed change.
E) Agree and follow up on a course of action.

Question 5

In one survey of office workers, more than 90 percent of employees admitted to engaging in gossip. The study also revealed that after learning information about a colleague intended to be secret, ______ percent of employees revealed the coworker's secret to at least two other employees that same day.

A) 10
B) 25
C) 50
D) 75
E) 90

Question 6

Organizational Culture Theory describes and predicts

A) the interactions between someone communicating on behalf of an organization with an individual who is external to the organization.
B) interactions with people who have little or no official authority over one another but who just work together to accomplish the goals of an organization.
C) how shared symbols, beliefs, values, and norms affect the behavior of people working in and with an organization.
D) how the quality of customer relationships affects the financial health of a business and employee job security.
E) the type of relationship characterized by the formal authority one person has over another person's work and behavior.

Question 7

All of the following answers depicts a form of sexual harassment except

A) a supervisor may demand sexual favors from a subordinate as a guarantee for keeping a job.
B) circulating sexually explicit messages and jokes via email.
C) making sexually demeaning comments about a coworker.
D) posting sexual images in staff rooms or offices.
E) All of the above depict forms of sexual harassment.

Question 8

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, approximately 15,000 complaints of sexual harassment are filed every year. What percent of these 15,000 complaints are filed by men?

A) 3%
B) 13%
C) 23%
D) 33%
E) 43%

Question 9

All of the following answers reflect supervisory strategies for promoting trust and openness except

A) behave in a consistent and predictable manner.
B) be honest and keep your promises.
C) clearly explain policies, procedures, and decisions.
D) maintain decision-making control.
E) express concern for others' well-being.

Question 10

A study of grocery store applicants found that almost ________ of the applicants believed that customers should follow company policies in order to deserve help and should be told when they are wrong.

A) 10 percent
B) 20 percent
C) 30 percent
D) 40 percent
E) 50 percent

Question 11

Which of the following answers best describes the strain that a close workplace friendship can put on an employees' professional relationship with that person?

A) The friendship may make it difficult to manage unequal levels of power at work.
B) The friendship may be damaged by negative feedback given at work.
C) The need to withhold confidential work information may clash with the need for openness in a friendship.
D) Public expressions of friendship may need to be minimized in the workplace.
E) all of the above

Question 12

What kind of interview do police officers use when interviewing crime witnesses and victims?

A) selection interview
B) appraisal interview
C) disciplinary interview
D) exit interview
E) information-gathering interview

Question 13

Research notes that 60% of employees say dealing with their boss is the most stressful part of their job. What type of professional relationship is being studied in this research?

A) client relationships
B) co-worker relationships
C) superior-subordinate relationships
D) customer relationships
E) work-based gender relationships

Question 14

Before going to a job interview, you should do all of the following except

A) learn as much as you can about the organization.
B) write a detailed thank you letter in advance so it's ready to mail as soon as the interview is over.
C) assess your strengths and weaknesses by identifying what you can bring to the job that will promote the organization's goals.
D) create a list of interview questions that might be asked and carefully consider your answers-and practice them.
E) select and put aside clean and appropriate clothing for the interview

Question 15

All of the following communication strategies can help calm an unruly customer and promote effective problem solving except

A) do not take a complaint personally.
B) accommodate an angry customer's demands.
C) listen attentively and ask questions.
D) try to separate the issues from the emotions.
E) make statements that show you empathize.

Question 16

If you quit a job and want to leave on good terms, all of the following strategies can help you handle your resignation with professionalism and courtesy except

A) follow company policies and procedures when resigning.
B) tell your coworkers first before notifying your supervisor.
C) resign in person, but also write a brief resignation letter.
D) give the appropriate advance notice.
E) phrase your reasons for leaving positively.

Question 17

Good ________________ assess employees' work record and professional goals, identify their training needs, determine where and how they can make the best contribution to the organization, and provide motivation through feedback on job performance.

A) selection interviews
B) appraisal interviews
C) disciplinary interviews
D) exit interviews
E) information-gathering interviews

Question 18

If, during a job interview, someone asks you to describe your weaknesses, you should

A) deny that you have any.
B) choose a weakness that is really a strength (I work so hard that I often come in early to get a jump on the day).
C) tell a funny story about how a "weakness" became a friendly running joke in the office.
D) identify a real weakness and explain what you have done to overcome or minimize it.
E) assume that the interviewer hasn't noticed any weakness on your application or resume.

Question 19

Your textbook suggests six criteria for a satisfying co-worker relationship. Which criterion answers this question: Do both of us devote time and resources to helping one another succeed?

A) integrity
B) interdependence
C) investment
D) information
E) individual excellence

Question 20

What reaction do the victims of sexual harassment often experience?

A) decreased work performance
B) anxiety, depression, self-blame, and helplessness
C) anger
D) fear of continued and escalating harassment
E) all of the above

Question 21

All of the following strategies are commonly used to detect whether an applicant is lying during a job interview except

A) asking probing questions that require more specific information or explanation.
B) asking very specific questions that are directly related to the skills needed for the job.
C) having more than one person interview the applicant.
D) comparing notes with other interviewers to spot inconsistencies.
E) conducting an unauthorized security check before the interview begins.

Question 22

. Regardless of the type of question, the seven key elements and guiding principles of communication can help you develop and answer interview questions. Which of the following guidelines focuses on purpose?

A) Be prepared to emphasize your positive qualities.
B) Consider ways of responding that will impress or convince the interviewer(s).
C) Consider why the interviewer asked a question and how your answer can address those expectations.
D) Carefully choose the ideas and information you should include in each answer.
E) Choose an effective organizational pattern for presenting your ideas and information.

Question 23

You can enhance your first impression in an interview by following several simple guidelines except

A) arrive a few minutes early.
B) listen attentively.
C) use a serious and formal facial expression.
D) use correct grammar and appropriate language.
E) try to appear calm and confident.

Question 24

Researchers who study the nature of professional relationships report that eighty-five percent of managers are seen as unfit for their jobs.

Question 25

Before ending an interview, interviewers often ask if you have additional questions. All of the following are appropriate questions except:

A) What major challenges are currently facing the organization?
B) How big a salary offer can you make and when would I be eligible for a promotion?
C) What is the most important characteristic you are looking for in an employee for this position?
D) What other people or departments will I be working with?
E) How will success be measured for this position?

Question 26

Professional relationships also develop beyond the traditional workplace in professional associations, community organizations, or volunteer and public service groups.

Question 27

When assessing your performance after a job interview, consider all seven key elements of communication. Which element is the basis for the following assessment: "I could explain how hiring me would promote my personal and professional goals as well as the organization's mission."

A) self
B) others
C) purpose
D) content
E) structure

Question 28

When assessing your performance after a job interview, consider all seven key elements of communication. Which element is the basis for the following assessment: "I used verbal and nonverbal behavior effectively as well as dress appropriately and professionally?"

A) others
B) purpose
C) context
D) content
E) expression

Question 29

"How would you handle an unruly student in your class whose father is a member of the college's board of trustees?" is an example of a(n) _____________ question.

A) close-ended
B) illegal
C) hypothetical
D) leading
E) probing

Question 30

"Please tell us more about how you handled the consequences of your unexpected promotion at your last job." is an example of a(n)____________ question.

A) close-ended
B) open-ended
C) illegal
D) leading
E) probing

Question 31

"Have you ever made presentations using PowerPoint software?" is an example of a(n) ____________ question.

A) close-ended
B) open-ended
C) hypothetical
D) leading
E) illegal

Question 32

A good relationship with a boss is the primary source of most job satisfaction.

Question 33

Research notes that approximately _________ percent of applicants lie on a resume or in a job interview.

A) 10 to 15
B) 15 to 25
C) 25 to 45
D) 45 to 65
E) 65 to 85

Question 34

Which of the following questions are inappropriate or illegal for a job interview?

A) What does your husband or wife do?
B) Do you have children?
C) How many years to do you plan to work before retiring?
D) Do you have any disabilities or pre-existing medical conditions?
E) All of the above are inappropriate questions.

Question 35

Professional relationships include superior-subordinate, co-worker, friend-romantic relationships, and customer relationships.

Question 36

Regardless of the type of question, the seven key elements and guiding principles of communication can help you develop and answer interview questions. Which of the following guidelines focuses on others?

A) Be prepared to emphasize your positive qualities.
B) Consider ways of responding that will impress or convince this specific interviewer or a group of interviewers.
C) Consider why the interviewer asked a question and how your answer can address those expectations.
D) Carefully choose the ideas and information you should include in each answer.
E) Choose an effective organizational pattern for presenting your ideas and information.

Question 37

If you work with a supervisor or coworker whose behavior negatively affects your ability to do your job, use all five types of listening skills to make sure you understand the other person's point of view.

Question 38

"Do you think the ability to work well with colleagues is just as important as the ability to work well with your boss?" is an example of a(n)_____________ question.

A) illegal
B) open-ended
C) hypothetical
D) leading
E) probing

Question 39

In a study by Northwestern University, 153 companies were asked why they rejected job applicants. Of the 50 reasons identified, almost half were related to

A) inappropriate or inadequate candidate qualifications.
B) lack of communication skills and failure to create a positive impression.
C) inappropriate or inadequate previous job experience specific to the job.
D) the candidate's race, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, or political affiliation.
E) lack of research about the company and its organizational culture.

Question 40

Of the six criteria for a satisfying co-worker relationship, interdependence reflects whether both of you have complementary skills and need one another to do the job.

Question 41

The typical American will change careers approximately seven times.

Question 42

Sexual harassment includes sexually demeaning or offensive communication, such as circulating sexually explicit messages and jokes via email, posting sexual images in staff rooms, or making sexually demeaning comments about a coworker.

Question 43

Research reveals that, when confronted with or witnessing sexual harassment, many people feel uncomfortable and fail to report the behavior.

Question 44

During an exit interview, you should tell the personnel officer the absolute truth about your reasons for leaving and share your negative opinions and complaints about coworkers and superiors.

Question 45

Whereas gossip is an unverified story or statement about the facts of a situation, rumors focus on the private, personal, or even scandalous affairs of others.

Question 46

An effective disciplinary interview should focus on punishing an employee for problematic or unethical behavior.

Question 47

An organizational subculture can be defined as a group of people who engage in behavior and share values that are different from the larger organizational culture.

Question 48

Good customer relations assumes that customers should follow company policies in order to deserve help and should be told when they are wrong.

Question 49

Sexual harassment is usually an isolated incident at work.

Question 50

An appraisal interview is conducted to evaluate an employee's job performance.

Question 51

Customer relations also includes the way students are treated at a college and the way police officers treat crime victims.

Question 52

A certain amount of gossip and small talk at work helps people feel closer to their coworkers.

Question 53

Effective customer relations entail separating the issues from the emotions because rude customers may have legitimate complaints and only be expressing frustration.

Question 54

Research has found that 90 percent of employees admitted to engaging in gossip and that 75 percent revealed a coworker's secret to at least two other employees on the same day the secret was shared.

Question 55

The key to preventing workplace gossip is to constantly remind coworkers that it is harmful and unethical.

Question 56

The accuracy of information can be reduced by up to 20 percent every time a message passes through a different level of hierarchy in an organization.

Question 57

In general, employees should not help a customer if it isn't part of their job and should not volunteer to assist customers unless they ask for help.

Question 58

Public expressions of friendship at work usually enhance productivity and the quality of work performance.

Question 59

A survey conducted by an executive search firm revealed that 95 percent of employers would reject applicants who lied about a college degree and 80 percent would not hire someone who falsified previous job titles.

Question 60

Men are more likely than women to view certain behaviors as sexual harassment.

Question 61

"What, in your opinion, are the most significant challenges facing this industry over the next five years?" is an example of an open-ended question.

Question 62

According to your textbook, "How many more years do you plan to work before retiring?" is a reasonable, appropriate, and legal job interview question.

Question 63

You can enhance your first impression in a job interview by using a posture that appears relaxed but not too casual.

Question 64

"Are you able to work on weekends?" is an example of a hypothetical question in a job interview.

Question 65

According to your textbook, "Which religious holidays will you take off from work?" is an inappropriate job interview question.

Question 66

"Do you think the ability to work well in a group is just as important as the ability to perform routine technical tasks?" is an example of a leading question.