Deck 1: Understanding Business Communication in Todays Workplace

Question 1

Digital information fluency is often expected of employees by employers.

Answer 1

True
Explanation: Given the importance of communication in business, employers expect employees to be competent at a wide range of communication tasks. Recognizing information needs, using efficient search techniques and using gathered information ethically is often referred to as digital information fluency.

Question 2

Audience-centered communication is based on objective,fact based information,not etiquette or other social norms.

Answer 2

False
Explanation: An important element of audience-centered communication is etiquette, the expected norms of behavior in a particular situation. Etiquette is as important to effective communication as objective, fact based information.

Question 3

Which of the following is the result of using an effective communication process in an organization?

A)An effective communication process slows down the problem-solving time, allowing for better analysis of options before decisions are made.
B)An effective communication process hampers employee satisfaction and increases employee turnover.
C)An effective communication process increases timely, reliable information, leading to "information overload" during the decision making process.
D)An effective communication process is more costly than other communication processes.
E)An effective communication process provides the ability to influence others and their perceptions both in the workplace and in the greater community.

Answer 3

E
Explanation: E)Effective communication allows for timely and reliable information, allowing for greater influence in the workplace and community. Effective communication often saves time and resources and allows for a better decision making process.

Question 4

Professionalism includes knowing how to contribute to a larger cause,and includes ________.

A)Being positive
B)Being ethical
C)Being a team player
D)Being dependable
E)Being respectful

Question 5

When developing a recommendation for action that might be construed negatively by stakeholders,what technique should be incorporated in the communication?

A)Practical and useful information only
B)Factual information that supports the opinion
C)Conciseness to save people's time
D)Clearly identified concepts
E)Persuasive techniques

Question 6

A communicator's ability to listen,understand and meet the needs of the reader is an example of what type of communication?

A)Audience-centered
B)Etiquette based
C)Digital
D)Chain of command
E)Ethical

Question 7

Which of the following least supports the purpose of communication?

A)Providing data
B)Providing information
C)Providing inspiration
D)Providing control
E)Providing insight

Question 8

How does communication affect the leadership process?

A)The higher in the organization one moves, the more employees one has to handle communication issues.
B)The lower in the organization one is, the more one is judged on communication skills.
C)The lower in the organization one is, the more often one's work is reviewed for accuracy and attention to basic communication conventions.
D)The higher in the organization one moves, the more time one spends on the task of communicating.
E)The higher in the organization one moves, the less time one spends on the task of communicating.

Question 9

Giving opinions and vague impressions allows the reader to form their own opinion about the validity of information provided.

Question 10

Which of the following represents the expected norms of behavior in a particular situation?

A)Ethics
B)Professionalism
C)Being a team player
D)Etiquette
E)Communication

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the process of communication?

A)Transferring of information between senders and receivers
B)Using digital media to convey data
C)Providing inspiration to others
D)Agreed upon meaning
E)Selling an idea to those who may need it

Question 12

Which of the following best supports the need for effective communication in a person's career?

A)The more technical the position, the less likely the employee will need to communicate outside of the organization.
B)The higher in the organization an employee is, the more likely the employee will need to communicate effectively both internally and externally to the organization.
C)The higher in the organization an employee is, the less likely the employee will need to communicate effectively both internally and externally to the organization.
D)Top executives spend very little of the workday communicating with others.
E)Top executives spend more time listening than communicating.

Question 13

In which of the following fields would the ability to share complex ideas about a project be critical?

A)Engineering
B)Sales
C)Human resources
D)Entrepreneurial start ups
E)Independent contractors

Question 14

Which of the following communication skills is least likely to be a major advantage for a recent college graduate in the workplace?

A)Computer skills
B)Writing skills
C)Listening skills
D)Speaking skills
E)Adjusting communications skills to any given situation

Question 15

Using concrete and specific language and including evidence to support a conclusion is an example of what type of information?

A)Practical
B)Factual
C)Concise
D)Clear
E)Persuasive

Question 16

Crafting a message to generate a specific response from an audience requires the use of what type of information?

A)Practical
B)Factual
C)Concise
D)Clear
E)Persuasive

Question 17

Describe what the six distinct traits of professionalism are.

Question 18

Performing at a high level and conducting oneself with purpose and pride is an example of what?

A)Ethical behavior
B)Strong communication skills
C)Being a team player
D)Ethics
E)Professionalism

Question 19

Strong communication skills provide an opportunity to stand out from the competition.

Question 20

An audience-centered approach means focusing on what?

A)The corporation's needs
B)The sender's needs
C)Technology use
D)The audience's needs
E)Time

Question 21

What percent of Internet users access the web at least some of the time with a mobile device?

A)50 percent
B)60 percent
C)70 percent
D)80 percent
E)90 percent

Question 22

Discuss ways and examples of how Social Media has changed the way businesses interact with employees and stakeholders.

Question 23

The ability of the receiver to determine the main idea of the message is known as what?

A)Encoding
B)Channel
C)Medium
D)Reading
E)Decoding

Question 24

Which of the following is one of the most common uses of social media among U.S.businesses?

A)Starting conversation threads to end users
B)Communicating with stakeholders
C)Allowing employees to voice concerns
D)Monitoring online discussions about a company
E)Increasing the publishing mindset amongst employees

Question 25

The method used to share an idea with an audience is called what?

A)Channel
B)Encoding
C)Medium
D)Decoding
E)Delivery

Question 26

Discuss ways in which mobile technology is challenging the way in which businesses communicate.

Question 27

Describe the Communication Process Model and identify potential areas that might cause a failure in the communication process.

Question 28

Which of the following task is the most common non-voice use of smartphones?

A)Reading
B)Writing
C)Email
D)Web browsing
E)Blogging

Question 29

When using a PowerPoint presentation to develop a sales message,the communicator is using PowerPoint as which of the following?

A)Random noise
B)Channel
C)Delivery system
D)Medium
E)Encoding device

Question 30

The influence of culture,thinking styles and moods can have the greatest impact on what step of the Communication Process Model?

A)Encoding the message
B)Transmitting the message
C)Decoding the message
D)Responding to the message
E)Providing feedback

Question 31

Which of the following is a primary result of the change in the nature of communication as a result of mobile technology?

A)Spelling and grammar skills have improved.
B)The relationship between senders and receivers has been altered.
C)There are fewer opportunities to create new business.
D)There are fewer communication challenges between the sender and receiver.
E)Businesses place less emphasis on writing skills.

Question 32

Evaluating the effectiveness of a message is most often accomplished in which stage of the Communication Process Model?

A)The sender has an idea.
B)The sender produces the message in a transmittable medium.
C)The audience receives the message.
D)The audience decodes the message.
E)The receiver provides feedback.

Question 33

Which of the following would be an example of an effective use of the Social Communication Model?

A)Using email to send interoffice memos
B)Sharing information on a blog
C)Using instant messaging to update team members on the status of a project
D)Using virtual meetings
E)Town hall meetings for new product launches

Question 34

A communication method/model that is open to all who wish to participate is considered which of the following?

A)Communication Process Model
B)Web based Communication Model
C)We Talk, You Listen Model
D)Social Communication Model
E)Broadcasting Model

Question 35

The motivation for writing a business message will help determine and shape which of the following?

A)Audience reaction to the message
B)Audience acceptance to the message
C)Audience understanding of the message
D)The effectiveness of the message
E)The nature of the idea

Question 36

When a receiver offers a smile when reading a message,the sender can be assured the message has been well received.

Question 37

When a communicator expresses an idea with words or images,they are doing which of the following?

A)Encoding the idea as a message
B)Writing the idea into a message
C)Sharing the idea as a message
D)Transmitting the idea to the audience
E)Developing the idea they want to communicate in the message

Question 38

During what step of the Communication Process Model does the receiver's motivation and ability to remember to act on a message become most important?

A)When providing feedback
B)When responding to the message
C)When receiving the message
D)When decoding the message
E)When selecting the message

Question 39

The potential for failure in the Communication Process Model can happen anywhere during the process.

Question 40

Which of the following is an advantage of using the Social Communication Model in shaping messages?

A)People can take pieces of the communication based on interest.
B)The message is well controlled by the sender.
C)There is less information overload as users only take what is of most use to them.
D)There is increased productivity and increased employee engagement.
E)Conversational threads are easier to respond to.

Question 41

Which of the following best describes an ethical lapse?

A)Choosing among alternatives that are not clear cut
B)Making an unethical choice
C)Recruiting people to promote a product without disclosing the true nature of the communication
D)Not giving all participants in a conversation access to the information needed to process information
E)Promoting transparency in a conversation

Question 42

Social media has increased the sense of openness in conversation and access to information,often referred to as what?

A)Transparency
B)Stealth marketing
C)Plagiarism
D)Ethical lapse
E)Diversity

Question 43

Why would an organization develop a policy prohibiting the use of personal devices at the worksite?

A)To limit the employee's ability to spend time on personal business
B)To encourage employees to use corporate owned equipment
C)To encourage the use of equipment that has met corporate security standards
D)To limit access to corporate networks and data
E)To encourage accessibility for customers and clients

Question 44

Which of the following best explains the concept of the "mobile first" approach?

A)Using mobile devices as a primary means of communication
B)Using mobile devices to replace face-to-face meetings
C)Requiring employees to be accessible outside of work using mobile technology
D)Designing websites specifically for optimum viewing on smartphones and tablets
E)Eliminating tradition phone systems in favor of mobile systems

Question 45

Companies who limit the use of mobile technology,both internally and externally,stand the best chance of capitalizing on the way people communicate.

Question 46

Which of the following is not needed to ensure ethical business communications?

A)Ethical individuals
B)Ethical company leadership
C)Appropriate policies
D)A code of ethics
E)Structures that support ethical decision making

Question 47

Which of the following best describes the concept of ethics?

A)Protecting information entrusted to your care
B)Security measures in software and hardware
C)Undistorted data
D)Accepted principles of conduct that govern behavior
E)A code of conduct

Question 48

Which of the following is true regarding about mobile connectivity in the workplace?

A)Mobile connectivity increases decision making time as more research becomes available.
B)Mobile connectivity allows for additional research to be conducted during meetings.
C)Mobile communication limits quality customer service.
D)Mobile communication decreases accuracy of crisis communication efforts.
E)Mobile communication requires more engaging experiences for users.

Question 49

Which of the following is true when formatting messages for mobile devices?

A)Messages should contain more graphics to aid in readability.
B)Messages should be short with several web links embedded in them.
C)Messages should be written in a traditional format to aid in understanding.
D)Messages should be based on location-aware technology.
E)Messages should be formatted differently to make reading easier on mobile devices.

Question 50

Today,more email messages are opened on a mobile device than on PCs.

Question 51

Companies who take a mobile first approach to communication often develop websites that are designed for optimum viewing on smartphones and tablets.

Question 52

When numeric data is exaggerating to promote one idea,or omitted to minimize the consequence of the data,what type of unethical activity is taking place?

A)Distorting visuals
B)Misrepresenting numbers
C)Selective misquoting
D)Plagiarism
E)Omitting essential information

Question 53

Which of the following is a disadvantage of mobile connectivity?

A)Mobile connectivity can blur the boundaries of personal and professional time and space.
B)Mobile connectivity gives employees less flexibility in meeting personal obligations.
C)Mobile connectivity increases operating costs.
D)Mobile connectivity does not support nontraditional work models.
E)Mobile connectivity limits multitasking efforts.

Question 54

Which of the following takes place when choosing among alternatives that are not clear cut,but that are ethical and valid?

A)Ethical lapse
B)Stealth marketing
C)Transparency
D)Distortion
E)Ethical dilemma

Question 55

Which of the following should be included in a well-developed,ethical communication?

A)Copyrighted material
B)Someone else's creative product, but only in your own words
C)All relevant information, even if it may be negative
D)Visual aids that emphasize some information while minimizing other information
E)Statistics and other relevant data that support the reason for the communication

Question 56

Which of the following best describe transparency in a communication?

A)Providing all relevant data
B)Not plagiarizing information
C)Stealth marketing
D)Providing only information that supports the decision you want made
E)Choosing the best alternative when issues are not clear cut

Question 57

Because of the ability to multitask,mobile users become more productive and focused on their work.

Question 58

The ability to send vast amounts of data instantly,constantly,and globally,and the expanding role of social media is referred to as what?

A)Radical connectivity
B)Mobile first
C)Publishing
D)Wearable technologies
E)Location aware content

Question 59

When writing a report that includes all relevant information about a topic,even if it is negative,ensures what type of communication?

A)Lengthy
B)Professional
C)Ethical
D)Plagiarized
E)Meaningful

Question 60

Globally,roughly 65 percent of Internet users access the web at least some of the time with a mobile device.

Question 61

A corporate code of ethics provides employees with explicit ethics policies and procedures for all potential workplace issues.

Question 62

The goal of communication in a high context culture is what?

A)To use visual cues to convey meaning
B)To exchange information
C)To focus on results
D)To build relationships
E)To ensure a legal decision making process

Question 63

When developing a communication for those who may not be comfortable with your language,what could make the communication easier to understand for the receiver?

A)Industry jargon
B)Words with several meanings
C)Long paragraphs
D)Limited transitions
E)Short, plain words

Question 64

Discuss why only presenting data that supports a recommendation,when negative data might be relevant,is considered unethical.

Question 65

Which of the following would be least helpful when developing ethical messages in an international work environment?

A)Seek mutual ground
B)Send and receive messages without judgment
C)Have the legal department ensure the validity of a contract
D)Send messages that are honest
E)Show respect for cultural differences

Question 66

Which of the following would be most helpful when working with people from other cultures?

A)Communicating based on your own cultural norms so as not to confuse others
B)Recognizing your own cultural biases
C)Assuming others are as culturally aware as you
D)Stereotyping to increase basic understanding of the culture
E)Explaining the advantages of your way of thought

Question 67

Discuss why stealth marketing is unethical.

Question 68

When developing communication that ensures the message can be sent and understood across a variety of cultures,the sender is practicing what?

A)Stereotyping
B)Cultural competency skills
C)Exemplary social custom skills
D)Practical intelligence
E)Ethnocentrism

Question 69

When increasing the diversity of a workforce,which of the following can increase the talent base of those with disabilities?

A)Assistive technologies
B)Mentoring
C)Stereotyping
D)Repetitive tasks
E)A code of conduct

Question 70

What is the competitive advantage of a diverse workforce?

A)A shared systems of beliefs
B)Increased communication opportunities
C)Increased cultural competency
D)A broader understanding of diverse markets
E)Better utilization of skill sets

Question 71

Stealth marketing is illegal.

Question 72

Which of the following best describes the characteristics and experiences that define each of us as individuals?

A)Diversity
B)Culture
C)Cultural context
D)Social behavior
E)Practical intelligence

Question 73

When speaking with someone whose native language is not your own,what could make the communication process easier for the receiver?

A)A written text of your main ideas
B)Speaking louder
C)Watch for a smile or nod of the head to signal understanding
D)Detailed information about issues that may be difficult for the receiver to understand
E)Short, plain words

Question 74

The tendency to judge all other groups according to the standards of one's own group is called what?

A)Stereotyping
B)Discrimination
C)Bias
D)Culture
E)Ethnocentrism

Question 75

When developing a mentor relationship with senior executives to improve communication and equity in the workplace,which of the following could likely improve the process?

A)Understanding that men find it easier to bond with other men
B)Understanding that women find it easier to bond with other women
C)Understanding that male executives are concerned about developing relationships that may appear inappropriate
D)Understanding the perception of assertiveness is a negative quality in men
E)Understanding the perception of assertiveness is a negative quality in women

Question 76

Ethics are the accepted principles of conduct that govern behavior within a society.

Question 77

Which of the following will aid in the effective communication process across cultures?

A)Learn how to communicate respect in various cultures
B)Understand that all members of each culture have certain practices that are true across all cultural members
C)Control the communication to ensure the message is shaped to your needs
D)Teach others how to communicate well in your cultural context
E)Identify differences in others and aid in their need to minimize those differences

Question 78

At the end of a meeting with those of other cultures,what habit can help ensure understanding?

A)Clarifying what will happen next
B)Being straightforward and direct
C)Assuming the listener is less knowledgeable than you
D)Using industry specific slang and jargon
E)Avoiding lengthy transitions

Question 79

For entry level professional positions,what is the ratio of men to women?

A)20 percent
B)30 percent
C)40 percent
D)50 percent
E)60 percent

Question 80

The pattern of physical cues,environmental stimuli and implicit understanding that affect a communication is known as what?

A)Social customs
B)Ethnocentrism
C)Practical intelligence
D)Cultural context
E)Diversity