Question 1

Routine messages tend to be simple and straightforward, such as conveying data or statistics.

Accepted Answer

Routine messages typically convey basic information or facts, which are often presented in a simple and straightforward manner.

Question 2

Horizontal communication is particularly important in teaching organizations, where teams of workers are continuously solving problems and searching for new ways of doing things.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. In teaching organizations, collaboration and sharing of ideas between different teams and departments is crucial for improving teaching methods and achieving educational goals. Horizontal communication allows for a free flow of information and promotes teamwork and innovation.

Question 3

The grapevine is a common and often-useful type of personal channel.

Accepted Answer

The grapevine is a type of personal channel through which information is transmitted informally between individuals or groups. It is often used in organizations as a means of communication, and can be a valuable source of information for employees. However, it should be noted that the grapevine can also be a source of rumors and misinformation, and should be used with caution. Overall, the grapevine is a common and often-useful type of personal channel.

Question 4

Communication can break down if sender and receiver do not encode or decode language in the same way.

Accepted Answer

Communication relies on encoding and decoding language in a way that both the sender and receiver can understand. If there are differences in how the language is encoded or decoded, communication can break down.

Question 5

Companies have been using social media to communicate with customers and employees for over a decade and have shown remarkable productivity gains as a result of this use.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Companies have been using social media to...

Question 6

Managers spend 80 percent of every working day doing desk work.

Accepted Answer

Managers spend a significant portion of their day communicating with others, including meetings, phone calls, and emails, not just doing desk work.

Question 7

Effective listening includes formulating in your mind what you are going to say next.

Accepted Answer

Effective listening means focusing on what the speaker is saying and understanding their message, rather than just waiting to speak. Formulating a response in your mind can distract you from fully understanding the speaker and may cause you to miss important information.

Question 8

The choice of a communication channel can convey a symbolic meaning to the receiver.

Accepted Answer

Different communication channels have different levels of formality, urgency, and suitability for specific types of messages, and using a particular channel can communicate a symbolic message to the receiver about the importance or urgency of the message, the status of the sender, and the relationship between the sender and the receiver. For example, sending a formal business letter instead of an email can convey a sense of professionalism and respect, while sending a text message instead of calling can signal informality and low urgency.

Question 9

In decentralized networks, team members must communicate through one individual to solve problems or make decisions.

Accepted Answer

In decentralized networks, team members have more autonomy and decision-making power, so they can communicate and collaborate directly with each other to solve problems and make decisions.

Question 10

Forms of nonverbal communication include blushing, perspiring, glancing, crying, and laughing.

Accepted Answer

These are all examples of nonverbal communication, which can convey emotions, attitudes, and other messages without the use of words.

Question 11

Without feedback, communication is only a two-way process: sender to receiver and receiver to sender.

Accepted Answer

Feedback is a crucial component of communication, as it allows the sender to understand whether the message was received and interpreted correctly by the receiver. Without feedback, communication can only be a one-way process, from sender to receiver.

Question 12

A formal communication channel flows within the chain of command.

Accepted Answer

A formal communication channel follows the hierarchy of the organization, where messages flow from top to bottom and vice versa. It is a structured and official communication system that maintains the chain of command relationship. The information is conveyed through a well-defined route with predefined protocols, rules, and regulations.

Question 13

The receiver usually gives more weight to nonverbal messages than to verbal messages when the two are contradictory

Accepted Answer

This is because nonverbal cues are often more difficult to fake or control and can reveal a person's true thoughts or emotions. Nonverbal cues such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language can provide additional context and meaning to the words being spoken. Therefore, receivers tend to rely more on nonverbal cues to understand the true meaning behind a message.

Question 14

Face-to-face discussion is the richest communication channel.

Accepted Answer

Face-to-face discussion is considered the richest communication channel because it involves not only verbal communication, but also nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. These additional cues allow for better understanding and interpretation of the message being conveyed.

Question 15

Most managers spend 80 percent of their time telling and 20 percent asking, but it should be the other way around.

Accepted Answer

Effective communication involves not only giving instructions and directives but also asking questions to gather feedback and input from employees. By spending more time asking questions, managers can gain valuable insights, make better decisions, and foster a more collaborative and engaged work environment.

Question 16

Social media includes blogs and wikis.

Accepted Answer

Blogs and wikis are considered forms of social media as they allow for user-generated content and interaction.

Question 17

Downward communication often includes procedures and practices that define the organization's rules, regulations, benefits, and structural arrangements.

Accepted Answer

Downward communication involves the transmission of information, instructions, and feedback from the higher levels of the organizational hierarchy to the lower levels. This type of communication typically includes directives, guidelines, policies, procedures, and other key information that are vital for day-to-day operations and the achievement of organizational goals. Therefore, it is accurate to say that downward communication often includes procedures and practices that define the organization's rules, regulations, benefits, and structural arrangements.

Question 18

Upward communication typically includes performance reports, suggestions for improvement, and performance feedback.

Accepted Answer

Upward communication usually includes performance reports and suggestions for improvement, but performance feedback is typically part of downward communication from management to employees.

Question 19

Managers facilitate strategic conversations by using open communication, actively listening to others, asking questions, and using feedback for learning and change.

Accepted Answer

Managers must use open communication, active listening, questioning, and feedback to facilitate strategic conversations with their team. This helps to encourage collaboration, innovation, and effective decision-making.

Question 20

Messages that are designed to share information that can help the organization change, grow, or improve are called change initiatives and improvements.

Accepted Answer

Change initiatives and improvements are specifically designed to help organizations transform, expand, or enhance their operations. Such messages may include suggestions for new methods, processes or systems that can bring greater efficiency, productivity or profitability to the organization. These messages are often carefully crafted and strategically delivered to influence decision-making by managers and other stakeholders.

Quiz 13: Managing Communication