Deck 12: Build Supportive and Diverse Relationships

Question 1

Carolyn has been in a rocky relationship with her boyfriend Tad.They have broken up several times, but this time she really wants to move on.Tad is not taking it well and wants to get back together.Based on what you have learned about healthy relationships in the chapter, which advice is the best to offer in this situation?

A)Carolyn, keep an open mind since you always seem to go back to Tad.
B)Tad, change happens and a healthy person is going to respect Carolyn's feelings and rights.
C)Carolyn, just cut communication with Tad.He'll move on in time.
D)Tad, have realistic expectations.Carolyn is changing and you are no longer her type.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Mark wants to do well in his class and build a good relationship with his instructor.He can best do this by:

A)assisting.
B)adapting.
C)thinking creatively.
D)taking risks.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Dwayne's professor pulled him aside after class to offer him some constructive criticism on a paper he had submitted for feedback.In this situation Dwayne should:

A)use humor.
B)ask for permission to offer criticism.
C)pay attention to nonverbal cues.
D)be passive.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Christopher has always been shy but was able to rely on an older brother to make friends.As a college freshman, an effective way to overcome shyness when encountering new people will be to:

A)have realistic expectations
B)study abroad
C)use humor
D)be aggressive

Question 5

Carlos and Theo are acquainted through mutual friends.They have decided to move in together in an apartment off campus.As new roommates they should first:

A)clarify and discuss expectations of each other.
B)address communication styles to understand each other.
C)determine how they will resolve conflicts.
D)divide responsibilities for cleanliness and bills.

Question 6

Casey and Agustin are roommates.Casey is from Indiana, and Agustin is from Argentina.Casey is surprised that Agustin is Caucasian and mentions that he thought most people in South America were Hispanic.He asks if Agustin is the son of a diplomat or an ex-patriot conducting business there.Agustin laughs warmly and says that Argentina is quite diverse in its culture with a lot of Europeans.Casey is put at ease for asking the question, and apologizes for not knowing much about Agustin's country.Casey could be considered:

A)culturally ignorant
B)culturally aware
C)culturally biased
D)culturally in denial

Question 7

Caitlin has been asked by her manager to offer constructive criticism to a colleague as part of the colleague's yearly evaluation.This particular colleague is difficult to get along with, and her workspace is so messy, other employees are afraid to go near it.What advice would you give to Caitlin to help offer criticism?

A)It is best for the sake of the colleague and the company to be completely honest.
B)Choose one of two behaviors to improve and offer an equal number of strengths.
C)Bring a list of all the behaviors that need improvement with detailed reasons why change is warranted.
D)Use this opportunity to offer helpful hints on personal hygiene, civility and workspace clutter issues.

Question 8

Leonard and his roommate Justin have been living together for only a month.Leonard feels as though they are "The Odd Couple," as he is a very organized and tidy person while Justin is unorganized and messy.At first Leonard would pick up after Justin to try to keep the room clean, but Justin has not noticed this and continues to create messes without picking up after himself.Leonard would hint that the mess was getting out of hand, and Justin would promise to pick up over the weekend but never managed to find the time.Leonard gave up trying to talk to Justin about it.Now Leonard is starting to get angry because he can't study in a chaotic environment.He goes to the library to do his work, but when the cold weather hits, he will not be so accommodating.He is considering discussing the matter with the residential assistant on their floor.Based on the scenario above, which communication style does Leonard have?

A)passive
B)passive-aggressive
C)assertive
D)aggressive

Question 9

Frank is assertive in his communication style.This means he is likely to:

A)be direct with people.
B)resent situations.
C)use sarcasm.
D)say yes when they really mean no.

Question 10

A group of women in the dorm find it socially acceptable to sexually harass men and women they see as easy targets in the dorm lounges.Terry is an extremely shy and introverted person and although the harassment bothers her, she does not want to lose focus on her studies and tries to ignore it.One night she got fed up with a situation and went to the Resident Assistant (RA) to complain.How could she have handled this better?

A)Terry was passive and should have said something to the RA earlier.
B)Terry was passive-aggressive and should have been more assertive.
C)Terry should have been this assertive earlier.
D)Terry was passive-aggressive and should have said something to the RA earlier.

Question 11

Empathy is the ability to share another's thoughts or emotions in order to understand them better while sympathy is feeling for a person, which can be:

A)faulty perception.
B)condescending
C)insincere.
D)dishonest.

Question 12

Janet is a student worker at a university.She works in a small office with people who are either her age or a bit older with one supervisor.When the supervisor is not there, the other workers tend to talk about their personal lives.Sometimes their conversation turns vulgar which makes her uncomfortable.She confronted the group and asked that they not talk about sex in the office because it makes her uncomfortable.They laughed at her and have begun to tease her about the incident.Her next step should be to:

A)document the harassment.
B)contact the appropriate authorities.
C)read the harassment policy to know the correct procedures.
D)document her performance.

Question 13

Jackson has liked his friend Jenna for years.Jenna has always dated other people, and has never shown an interest in Jackson.Recently, Jenna broke up with her boyfriend.Jackson gave her a call and asked if she'd like to get some coffee.Jenna accepted his invitation, not realizing he was asking her out on a date.Jackson's communication style is:

A)passive
B)aggressive
C)passive-aggressive
D)assertive

Question 14

Building a good rapport with people involves each element except for:

A)finding a common ground.
B)paying attention to body language.
C)sympathy.
D)attentive listening.

Question 15

Allison has made it a goal to network with her classmates and instructors.To help build a rapport with instructors, she should try to:

A)ask for permission to offer criticism.
B)take responsibility for her own learning.
C)be culturally aware.
D)go above and beyond class requirements.

Question 16

Will is normally very introverted, and when working with people, he asks a lot of questions and uses a lot of humor.This behavior is indicative one someone who is likely:

A)passive.
B)a director.
C)shy.
D)codependent.

Question 17

Proper email etiquette with instructors requires:

A)a polite 'hello' in the greeting.
B)demonstrating an interest in the instructor.
C)passive communication.
D)being clear and concise.

Question 18

Brenda is assertive; thus she will likely:

A)demonstrate creative thinking.
B)show passive and aggressive behavior.
C)use humor.
D)state consequences.

Question 19

In discussing the power of body language, some experts say:

A)70% of communication is done nonverbally.
B)70% of communication is done verbally.
C)30% of communication is done nonverbally.
D)40% of communication is done nonverbally.

Question 20

Ingrid has been communicating with her boyfriend via email.This has led to easy misunderstandings likely due to:

A)lack of honesty.
B)lack of nonverbal cues.
C)faulty perception.
D)aggressive personalities.

Question 21

Although Chad appreciates living and working in culturally diverse environments, he tends to keep more quiet around those who are seemingly different than he is, because he does not want to say something embarrassing.Chad is culturally sensitive and respectful.

Question 22

Katrina and Dave are both in the same degree program.In class, they struck up a conversation and both experienced an intellectual 'chemistry' neither had experienced before.They began dating and developed a strong friendship before considering intimacy.This is an example of a slowly progressing relationship.

Question 23

Creative problem solving in an essential element in team player effectiveness.

Question 24

Devon is very shy.He wants to get to know some of the people in his study group a bit better.An excellent way to initiate a conversation with people in his group would be to follow one of them after their study group session to ask them where they are living.

Question 25

An unjustified behavior toward a person or group based on preconceived opinions, judgments and stereotypes is prejudice.

Question 26

Assess the appropriateness of your email address before sending messages to instructors.

Question 27

Evaluate the following email between a student and his instructor: To: [e-mail]: [e-mail] cc: Sent: 11/1/10 9:03 p.m.Hi Mr.Smith, My name is Peter Larsen.I am in your Biochemistry Fundamentals class on Tu/Th at 9:00.Me and my group have a question about the syllabus we were hoping you could clarify.It says that we are supposed to have the group project topic decided by 11/2.Are we to submit our ideas to you in a written format, or is this date just given as a guideline to remain on track in our timeline? We were thinking about either tackling a problem given in the text, or one from the supplemental journal you assigned as extra reading.-Peter.What was good about this note, and how could it be improved?

A)Peter used a proper greeting, made it clear who he was, and used proper writing mechanics.The note was concise and to the point.The note could have been improved with a more proper email address and by sending it earlier in the week.
B)Peter used a proper greeting, made it clear who he was, and used proper writing mechanics.The note could have been improved by using a more proper email address, by being more concise, and by sending the note earlier in the week.
C)Peter used a proper greeting and made it clear who he was.To improve the letter, he should have edited it for writing mechanics including the salutation.He could have used a more proper email address, been more concise, and sent the note earlier in the week.
D)Peter used a proper greeting and made it clear who he was.His letter was concise and to the point.Peter's note could have been improved with a more proper email address, a thank you, and by sending the note earlier.

Question 28

Brett tends to vent about work, current events, and politics on twitter.This is a socially acceptable use of technology.

Question 29

Discrimination in the workplace is illegal and grounds for court action.

Question 30

To respect diversity in ones' environment, one must be aware of their feelings and beliefs, and be willing to admit their own prejudices.

Question 31

Gina has a start up company with 20 employees.She is legally required to have written procedures in place for sexual harassment.

Question 32

Nate found out his roommate Jeff is an active member in a religious sect that supports ideologies he does not agree with.While he does not mind if Jeff is a different religion, he does not want to live with someone with whom he disagrees so strongly, so he has asked Jeff to leave.This is not discrimination.

Question 33

If one were to represent the earth's demographic ratios in a group of 200 people (half men, half women), in that group there would be only 10 would be from North America.

Question 34

Bob and his study group members, Tom and Brady, were assigned a project that would require the members to divide and conquer on several research areas before coming together to write the paper.Bob recommended they select a topic related to his field since he could offer the group a lot of primary and secondary research data through work he has already done.Tom and Brady looked at each other, but neither of them argued with Bob.Tom mentioned the possibility of another topic, but Bob interrupted him and insisted that primary and secondary research data he has already done would be better than all of them having to conduct new research.They all agreed to work on Bob's suggested topic.Then Brady began to discuss their timeline.Bob insisted that they only meet on the weekends.They worked out the timeline, and all agreed they could get the project done on time.Upon leaving, Bob smiled and exited first while the other men waved and left together.Tom and Brady went to their instructor to complain about their group assignment.If you were their instructor, what is the best advice you could give to each of the men in this group?

A)Tom and Brady, thank you for bring this to my attention.In the future, please try to be more assertive with your group members if you do not agree with them.Bob, it has come to my attention from your group members that you have been difficult to work with.The men have told me you have been controlling and inconsiderate of their time commitments.In order to do well in this course, and beyond, please learn to read people's body language.When a person agrees with you and they are looking at someone else and not smiling, their body language is saying 'no'.
B)Tom and Brady, it was inappropriate for you to come to me with this issue.Be assertive and solve the problem on your own before ever approaching an instructor with this.Bob, Tom and Brady have come to me to complain about your attitude in the group.You have been controlling and inconsiderate.If they come to me to complain about you in the future, I will mark you all down in your grade for not finding ways to work well together.
C)Tom and Brady, before you come to me, please try to be more assertive with Bob.Bob, during class discussions, I feel there has been a tendency for you to interrupt which seems to bother other students.We all have valuable information to contribute to the class, but we also must realize that students come from many different backgrounds and have different goals for the course.When in class, working in groups, or at work, try to be more aware of the nonverbal cues others may be trying to give you, as about 70% of communication is nonverbal.
D)Tom and Brady, you should have been more assertive with Bob.Bob, it's been brought to my attention that you've been difficult to work with as a study group member.Please be more considerate of what your group members would like to get out of the course and be more flexible in your meeting times with them or this may affect your grade.

Question 35

Allie and her roommate Kristen live in the same dorm room.They had a disagreement about bedtime rituals, and both women are extremely agitated with one another.Kristen likes to sleep with the window shades open and with music playing, while Allie needs the room to be dark and quiet.Here is an excerpt of their recent conflict: [ALLIE] Hi Kristen (smiles).[KRISTEN] Hey.[ALLIE] Do you have a minute to talk? [KRISTEN] Sure.(rolls eyes behind Allie).[ALLIE] I was hoping to talk about our bedtime rituals since it seems like we both have very different ways we like to sleep.[KRISTEN] Allie, I've tried sleeping in total darkness with no music and I just can't! My mind can't rest without the music and I've always had a fear of the dark.It's silly I realize but believe me, my parents tried to change these habits for years with no success.I'm sorry.[ALLIE] Kristen, the music you listen to drives me crazy... [KRISTEN] I'm not listening to this.(Kristen leaves the room).Which approach would have helped the most in avoiding the conflict?

A)Instead of saying "Allie, I've tried sleeping in total darkness with no music and I just can't!" Kristen should have said, "Allie, I'm sorry if I've kept you up.Maybe we can come to a compromise."
B)Instead of saying "Kristen, your music drives me crazy..." Allie should have said, "Kristen, I understand where you are coming from..."
C)Instead of saying "Kristen, your music drives me crazy..." Allie should have said, "I'm hoping we can come to a compromise...."
D)Instead of saying "Allie, I've tried sleeping in total darkness with no music and I just can't!" Kristen should have said, "Allie, try to see it from my perspective."

Question 36

If a person is not willing to offer solicited constructive feedback, they could be considered passive.

Question 37

Poor listening is one of the biggest barriers to communication.

Question 38

Brad had to pay to get a flat tire fixed.He asked his roommate Jim to pay their phone bill on the due date and promised to pay Jim his portion when he got paid from his job.Borrowing money like this is never a good idea.

Question 39

Ian has spent a lot of time developing a photography portfolio with a theme he is proud of.As he presents his portfolio to the class and explains his theme, he fields questions of his classmates who will then critique his work.Which scenario below offers the best models of giving and receiving constructive criticism?

A)Critique: Ian, I feel like you have exploited people here.As photographers, shouldn't we consider the subject and not just the photograph? Ian's response: I understand where you are coming from, and I agree with you to an extent, but when the theme is to educate people on the plight of those living in this area of the city, it is our responsibility to show that slice of life as it is.
B)Critique: Ian, I feel you have captured so many great moments within this theme yet it seems like there may critical elements about this area of the city that are not captured here in the portfolio.Did you do research about this part of the city, and did you think about what you wanted to capture before heading out to do this work? Ian's response: That is a great question.I actually did do some research on this before heading out and plan to continue my work in this area to rework the portfolio beyond this class.If anyone knows about this area and has any suggestions, I would love to talk.
C)Critique: Ian, I see this work as content rich but technically poor.How you juxtapose your subjects in their surroundings is rather displeasing to me from an aesthetics viewpoint.Ian's response: I am showing life as it is just shooting from the hip.We all hope to capture these moments in the perfect frame, but I am more concerned with the content.
D)Critique: Ian, the theme you have chosen is noble, but your eye on this world seems to come from a juvenile viewpoint.Who did you have in mind as your audience when you developed the portfolio? Ian: I suppose I just had our class in mind, thus my juvenile eye should yield a satisfactory portfolio for folks like yourself.

Question 40

Ben is an active voice in his school community speaking out against violence against anyone based on their sexual orientation.Ben could be considered culturally responsible.

Question 41

Sam has very low self-esteem and lives with a codependent housemate Danny who also lacks confidence.In previous conflicts they have gotten into, they have not spoken to each other for days.Sam tends to be passive, while Danny is aggressive.With your knowledge of communication styles, conflict resolution, and constructive criticism, provide this pair with advice using at least 6 strategies you have learned in the chapter.

Question 42

To address a recurring theme or pattern in your relationships, you need to take responsibility for changing your inner world of beliefs.

Question 43

You have just gotten an interview with a company you strongly admire and hope to work for.In preparation for the interview, discuss 6 strategies you use to develop a strong rapport with a diverse range of people in the workplace.

Question 44

Dwight is a very aggressive person, with no qualms about telling people what he thinks of their ideas with little tact.He has been very critical of coworkers in support positions on his account, as he has little patience for errors or delays.He has been very successful in his position in sales because he uses humor to put people at ease.He is now working under a director who has urged him to work on his aggressive tactics after receiving complaints from coworkers.Given what you have learned about assertive communication, provide Dwight with 3 strategies to replace his aggressive communication style with a more assertive one.

Question 45

Do you tend to be passive, passive-aggressive, aggressive, or assertive in your communication style? Describe a situation at home, work, or school that has demonstrated this communication style.Discuss 2 strategies you could use to improve your communication skills to be more assertive.If you feel you have been assertive, discuss 2 strategies you commonly use to maintain this communication style.

Question 46

Drew, Kelly, Jennifer and Kevin are in a study team working on developing a case study for their marketing course.They have divided and conquered the research portion of the project and must now come together with their ideas to shape their case.Drew wants to brainstorm, Kelly wants every member to give a mini-presentation of their findings, Jennifer agrees with Kelly, and Kevin agrees with Drew.This situation requires creative problem solving.

Question 47

Although he is well liked by colleagues, Bruce sometimes makes prejudiced remarks and generalizations that make people uncomfortable.He thinks that because he is making fun of his own cultural descent, or that his wife thinks his jokes are funny, that these are acceptable.What is his level of cultural understanding? If you were his boss, how would you address this?

Question 48

In college, Ted was involved in a sports team and a political group.He has always tried to see people for who they and without bias, and has purposely gone out of his comfort zone with people who seem culturally different than himself just to learn more about other cultures and perspectives.He has landed a systems analyst position with a global corporation, which will require him to work with teams in different countries.In his first week, he has anxiety about communicating by phone and email knowing that one of his strengths has always been reading body language.He also does not understand a lot of what is being said through heavy accents.Based on what you have read in the chapter about communicating in diverse environments, discuss 3 strategies he should use to communicate successfully on the job.

Question 49

Alicia is a college freshman.During one of her classes a campus group came in to speak about tolerance and diversity.There were several students who shared personal stories about their experiences with discrimination based on their race and sexual orientation.Alicia learned a lot of information she had not known, but still felt like it was not appropriate to interrupt her class for such personal matters.Based on her attitude, what is Alicia's likely level of cultural understanding (biased, in denial, aware, sensitive and respectful, or responsible and active)? As a culturally responsible and active proponent of reaching cultural understanding, what strategies will help develop Alicia's level of cultural understanding?

Question 50

Converting "You" statements into "I" statements can help avoid a defensive reaction from the other person.

Question 51

Forgiveness is a good way to end a conflict as it allows everyone to move on while absolving everyone of responsibility for the conflict.