Question 1

Why does effective communication mean better supervision?

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

What takes place during downward communication?

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

Deb learned from her colleague Sean that the company's new secretary will be leaving after only two months on the job. This information most likely came from which channel of communication?

Accepted Answer

The information about the secretary leaving after only two months is not likely to be a formal message passed down from upper management (upward communication), communicated from management to subordinates (downward communication), or exchanged between colleagues on the same level (lateral communication). Instead, it is more likely that the information was spread informally through the grapevine communication network, which involves informal and unofficial communication channels.

Question 4

In attempting to limit too much information, what are some guidelines to follow when using electronic communication systems such as e-mail, fax, and voice-mail systems?

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

_________ refers to words that have multiple meanings, or can mean different things to different people.

Accepted Answer

Semantics refers to the study of meaning in language, including how words can have multiple meanings or different meanings to different people. Jargon refers to technical language used in a particular field, filtering refers to the process of selectively sharing information, and exposure refers to the experience of being introduced to something new.

Question 6

According to recent research, _____ percent of Americans have cellphones or wireless.

Accepted Answer

According to recent research, 93 percent of Americans have cellphones or wireless.

Question 7

Delilah requested a meeting with her supervisor to negotiate a pay increase. This is an example of what type of communication?

Accepted Answer

Delilah, as an employee, is requesting a meeting with her supervisor to negotiate a pay increase, which is an example of upward communication where communication flows from lower-level employees to higher-level management.

Question 8

What can a supervisor do to ensure effective communication?

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

When supervisors ask employees, customers, and others what they can do to help, they are employing which horizontal communication technique?

Accepted Answer

Management by wandering around (MBWA) is a horizontal communication technique where supervisors roam around the workplace, interacting with employees and customers, and asking what they can do to help. This helps build relationships, gather information, and boost employee engagement. Cross-functional meetings involve representatives from different departments coming together to discuss and solve shared problems. Grapevine communication refers to unofficial, informal communication between employees, while management by objectives involves setting goals in collaboration with subordinates.

Question 10

Benjamin is nervous about an upcoming meeting with his supervisor to discuss new projects on the horizon. To ensure that the meeting is effective, Benjamin should do all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Saying "no" can be necessary if Benjamin needs to set boundaries or if a project is not feasible, so he should not avoid it entirely.

Question 11

The communication process is fraught with many potential problems. Describe some of the barriers that can potentially interfere with this process.

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Question 12

Which technique should Melinda use to ensure that her work-related email communication does not result in information overload?

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Question 13

William, a single father raising two kids, feels he cannot relate to colleagues who do not have children. As a result, he only has a few friends at work while others view him as quiet and closed-off. This is an example of what type of communication barrier?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of stereotyping, as William feels he cannot relate to colleagues who do not have children, making assumptions about their ability to understand his experiences as a single father.

Question 14

Marissa, a production manager, recently contacted the managers withing the marketing and shipping departments to help her tackle an issue related to product design and packaging. This is an example of what type of communication?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of lateral communication, as Marissa is communicating with managers from different departments who are at the same level in the organizational hierarchy.

Question 15

Which method of communication is Raoul using if he sends an email to one of his subordinates with deadlines and guidelines on how to complete a specific task?

Accepted Answer

Raoul is using downward communication, as he is communicating instructions to a subordinate.

Question 16

Allison just received a weekly status update from Sally, one of her subordinates, and she would like to give feedback on her ongoing projects. Which of the following would be the best way to provide feedback?

Accepted Answer

Meeting with Sally to review the update would allow for a more thorough discussion of her ongoing projects and provide the opportunity for Allison to give constructive feedback in real-time. This also allows for Sally to ask any necessary questions or provide additional information.

Question 17

Why is an agenda so important when planning for a meeting with one's boss?

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Question 18

What are the advantages and disadvantages of oral communication?

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Quiz 3: Communication: the Key to Effective Supervisory Management