Question 1

When James, the receptionist of a marketing firm, asks his manager for a raise, he is using ________ communication.

Accepted Answer

James is asking his manager for a raise, which involves upward communication - communication from a subordinate to a supervisor or manager. Diagonal communication involves communication between different departments or levels in an organization, lateral communication involves communication between colleagues or peers at the same level, and the grapevine refers to unofficial communication channels within an organization.

Question 2

A supervisor should choose oral communication over written communication when the message is ________.

Accepted Answer

When the message is sensitive, oral communication provides the opportunity for the supervisor to gauge the recipient's reactions, clarify any misunderstandings, and address any concerns in real-time. This ensures that the message is delivered effectively and any potential misunderstandings are resolved immediately. Written communication lacks this level of interaction and may be misinterpreted or cause unnecessary concern.

Question 3

The easiest way to get feedback is to ________.

Accepted Answer

Sending an oral message allows for immediate feedback and clarification, making it the easiest method to get feedback.

Question 4

Organizational communication in which a message is sent to someone at a lower level is referred to as ________.

Accepted Answer

Downward communication is when a message or information is conveyed from someone in a higher position in the organization to someone in a lower position or group, such as a manager giving instructions to subordinates.

Question 5

Jeremy is the manager of a supermarket. When he asks all his employees to assemble for a meeting, he is using ________ communication.

Accepted Answer

Downward communication is when messages flow from a higher level in the organization to a lower level. In this scenario, Jeremy is the manager, and he is sending a message to his employees who are at a lower level in the hierarchy. Therefore, this is an example of downward communication.

Question 6

Which of the following statements is true about nonverbal messages?

Accepted Answer

Nonverbal messages can be communicated through a variety of factors, including clothes, facial expressions, posture, and gestures. People often make judgements about others based on their clothing choices, which can communicate information about social status, personal identity, and cultural background.

Question 7

A supervisor is receiving a(n) ________ communication when an employee reports a problem.

Accepted Answer

Upward communication is communication from subordinate to supervisor or from employee to higher-level management. In this scenario, the employee is reporting a problem to their supervisor, so it is an example of upward communication. Diagonal communication refers to communication between employees on different levels or in different departments, lateral communication refers to communication between employees at the same level, and downward communication refers to communication from supervisor to subordinate.

Question 8

Organizational communication in which a message is sent to someone at a higher level is referred to as ________.

Accepted Answer

Upward communication refers to messages sent from subordinates to those at a higher level in the organization. This type of communication is important for sharing feedback, ideas, and concerns with those who have the power to make decisions and affect change.

Question 9

When a supervisor gets a memo from top management describing a new company policy, he or she is receiving a(n) ________ communication.

Accepted Answer

A memo from top management to a supervisor is an example of a downward communication as it is flowing from a higher level in the organizational hierarchy to a lower level.

Question 10

For emotionally charged issues, the supervisor should typically

Accepted Answer

Emotionally charged issues require clear communication and the ability for both parties to express their feelings and concerns. Communicating face-to-face allows for a more personal approach and ensures that both parties can convey their emotions clearly through body language and tone of voice. Written communication, such as e-mail or bulletin board messages, can easily be misinterpreted and lack the emotional connection needed to address these types of issues effectively. Voice mail may be useful for scheduling purposes or non-emotional issues, but it does not allow for a back-and-forth dialogue or the ability to address emotional concerns in a timely manner.

Question 11

Steven is the supervisor of a transport company. He feels that he should do something to be more informed about his employees. Which of the following is a way for Steven to be more informed about his employees?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging upward communication, which is communication from subordinates to supervisors, will allow Steven to be more informed about his employees. This type of communication can provide valuable insight into the needs and concerns of employees, allowing Steven to make informed decisions and adjustments to improve their work environment. Discouraging diagonal communication, which is communication between employees at different levels or departments, may limit Steven's access to information and ideas that could improve the company. Relying on rumors and shutting down grapevine communication are not productive ways to gather information about employees as they may not be accurate or reliable.

Question 12

People will receive a message only if

Accepted Answer

People are more likely to receive a message if it comes through a channel they feel comfortable using, such as their preferred mode of communication. If the sender uses a channel that the receiver is not comfortable with, they may not receive the message effectively.

Question 13

One way to minimize the intrusiveness of modern media is to

Accepted Answer

Limiting the use of calls and texts to only essential situations can reduce the constant interruption and distraction that modern media can bring. This allows individuals to focus on other activities and reduces the level of intrusiveness.

Question 14

Why is knowledge about the directions of communications essential for a supervisor?

Accepted Answer

Knowledge about the directions of communications (upward, downward, and horizontal) is essential for a supervisor to be able to communicate effectively in all directions, ensuring that information and feedback flows smoothly within the organization. This helps in creating a healthy work culture, increasing productivity, and achieving organizational goals. Knowing the directions of communication also assists supervisors in adapting to different communication styles and using appropriate channels for different messages.

Question 15

Supervisors can help with the constant interruptions of modern media by

Accepted Answer

Setting aside designated times where cell phones should be turned off can help minimize interruptions and increase focus during work hours. Banning memos and restricting emails would not be practical solutions in today's workplace, and communicating without feedback would not be effective.

Question 16

A supervisor should choose written communication over oral communication when

Accepted Answer

Written communication allows the receiver of the message to refer back to the information and fully comprehend any complex details. It is also a good way to keep a record of the communication.

Question 17

To be well informed and benefit from employees' creativity, a supervisor should primarily encourage ________.

Accepted Answer

Upward communication, which is communication from employees to their managers, allows for employees to share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions with their superiors. This can help to foster a more open and collaborative work environment, which in turn can lead to increased creativity and innovation. Nonverbal communication (A) and haptic communication (D) are important, but may not be as relevant in this context. Grapevine communication (B), which refers to informal communication among employees, can also be valuable but may not provide the same level of input and feedback that upward communication can offer.

Question 18

When feedback is critical, which of the following is the most effective mode of communication?

Accepted Answer

When feedback is critical, face-to-face communication is the most effective mode of communication as it allows for immediate clarification, feedback and discussion of solutions. Other modes such as telephone or memorandum can be impersonal and lack the opportunity for immediate feedback and discussion. Bulletin board notice does not allow for any feedback or clarification at all.

Question 19

When there is a need for a record, which of the following is the most effective mode of communication?

Accepted Answer

A memorandum is the most effective mode of communication when there is a need for a record because it is a written form of communication that can be saved, referenced, and documented.

Question 20

The ability to send and receive information from many places, including one's workplace, home, car, and airplane seat, can contribute to

Accepted Answer

The ability to access information from multiple locations can lead to an overwhelming amount of information, causing information overload.

Quiz 10: Communication Theory and Modern Media