Question 1

Communication systems can ultimately affect an organization's productivity and creativity.

Accepted Answer

Communication systems play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of an organization. Effective communication leads to better information sharing, enhanced decision-making, and increased collaboration among team members, which ultimately leads to improved productivity and creativity. On the other hand, poor communication systems can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and delays in decision-making, negatively impacting the organization's productivity and creativity.

Question 2

Research has shown that network structure does not affect personal outcomes.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. Research has shown that network structure can affect personal outcomes, such as employment opportunities and social support. For example, having a more diverse and expansive network has been linked to greater job satisfaction and career success.

Question 3

Downward communication is necessary to provide job instructions and performance feedback.

Accepted Answer

Downward communication is the flow of information from managers and supervisors to subordinates. This type of communication is necessary for providing job instructions and performance feedback to ensure that employees are working effectively and efficiently.

Question 4

To send a message the sender must first encode it.

Accepted Answer

Encoding is the process of converting the message into a format that can be transmitted.

Question 5

Networks can be characterized by their density and centralization.

Accepted Answer

Networks can indeed be characterized by their density, which refers to the extent to which nodes in the network are connected to one another. Centralization, which refers to the degree to which one or a few nodes are more important or influential than others in the network, is another important aspect of network structure.

Question 6

A communication breakdown can occur in any part of the communication process.

Accepted Answer

A communication breakdown can occur at any stage of the communication process, including encoding, decoding, feedback, and medium selection.

Question 7

Networks affect organizational coordination, innovation, and performance.

Accepted Answer

Networks facilitate communication, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among individuals and groups within an organization, which can enhance coordination, foster innovation, and improve performance. The structure and dynamics of these networks can also influence the flow and quality of information, the distribution of power and influence, and the formation of alliances and coalitions. Therefore, managing and leveraging networks is a critical component of organizational strategy and success.

Question 8

Once a message has been received the receiver does not need to decode it.

Accepted Answer

Once a message has been received, the receiver needs to decode or interpret it in order to understand its meaning.

Question 9

The fundamental purposes of communication are to provide information and instructions, to influence others, and to integrate activities.

Accepted Answer

These are indeed the fundamental purposes of communication. Communication allows people to share information, give direction or instructions, persuade or influence others, and coordinate or integrate activities.

Question 10

IBM's virtual conference was more expensive than a face-to-face conference would have been.

Accepted Answer

Virtual conferences typically cost less to host than face-to-face conferences due to savings on physical venues, accommodations, and travel expenses for attendees and organizers.

Question 11

Z networks are examples of centralized networks.

Accepted Answer

Z networks are decentralized, meaning they do not have a single central point of control or authority, unlike centralized networks.

Question 12

Feedback is the process through which the sender encodes the message
and sends it to the receiver.

Accepted Answer

Feedback is the response or reaction of the receiver to the message sent by the sender. The process through which the sender encodes and sends the message is known as encoding and transmission.

Question 13

Upward communication flows from subordinate to supervisor.

Accepted Answer

Upward communication is defined as the flow of information from subordinates to supervisors or managers.

Question 14

Only certain parts of the communication process are important.

Accepted Answer

All parts of the communication process are important in ensuring effective communication, including the sender, receiver, message, channel, feedback, and context. Each element plays a role in facilitating the successful transfer of information and understanding between parties.

Question 15

Encoded messages are sent through an encoded channel.

Accepted Answer

Encoded messages are sent through a channel, but the channel itself is not necessarily encoded; it's the messages that are encoded to ensure privacy, integrity, or both.

Question 16

Communication involves the sharing of information between two or more people to achieve a common understanding about an object or situation.

Accepted Answer

This is a commonly accepted definition of communication.

Question 17

The wheel and Y networks are more effective in accomplishing simple tasks.

Accepted Answer

The wheel and Y networks are both centralized networks that radiate out from a central node, making them efficient for simple tasks that require quick communication between nodes. This is because the central node can easily communicate with all nodes in the network and coordinate their actions.

Question 18

Downward communication refers to communication from supervisor to subordinate.

Accepted Answer

Downward communication flows from a higher level of authority to a lower level of authority. It is also known as vertical communication.

Question 19

The learning, information development, and social outcomes of IBM's virtual conference were much greater than they would have been with less rich substitutes for face-to-face interactions such as web chats, teleconferences, and videoconferences.

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests that the virtual conference provided more learning, information development, and social outcomes than alternatives such as web chats, teleconferences, and videoconferences. Therefore, it is true.

Question 20

Communication occurs at several different levels.

Accepted Answer

Communication can occur at different levels such as verbal, nonverbal, written, visual, etc.

Quiz 9: Communication