Question 1

Good interpersonal relations throughout an organization can be a source of synergy.

Accepted Answer

Good interpersonal relations foster cooperation, trust, and communication among employees, resulting in a synergistic effect that enhances organizational performance. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 2

Oral communication is usually best when the message is more impersonal,routine,and longer.

Accepted Answer

Oral communication is actually best when the message is personal, interactive, and shorter. Impersonal and routine messages are better conveyed through written communication.

Question 3

A form of noise might be difficulties in understanding messages due to language barriers.

Accepted Answer

Language barriers can create noise in communication as it can hinder the ability to understand messages clearly.

Question 4

Top executives are only true leaders if they handle communication effectively.

Accepted Answer

Effective communication is a crucial aspect of leadership. Top executives need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with their team members, stakeholders, investors, and customers to build trust, inspire confidence, share ideas, and collaborate effectively towards achieving the organization's goals. Without effective communication, top executives may find it difficult to mobilize their team, resolve conflicts, create a shared vision, or build a culture of transparency and openness. Therefore, effective communication is a critical skill that true leaders must possess.

Question 5

Horizontal communication is particularly critical to the coordination of the efforts of interdependent units.

Accepted Answer

Horizontal communication refers to communication between individuals, groups or departments at the same level in an organization. Since interdependent units work on the same level, coordination of their efforts through horizontal communication is critical.

Question 6

The difference between communication and effective communication is mutual understanding.

Accepted Answer

Communication refers to the exchange of information between two or more parties. Effective communication, on the other hand, requires mutual understanding between the parties involved for the message to be conveyed accurately and for the desired outcome to be achieved. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 7

When the task is complex and nonroutine,such as making a major decision about organizational strategy,a wheel network tends to be most effective.

Accepted Answer

For complex and nonroutine tasks, such as making major decisions about organizational strategy, a more decentralized network, like the all-channel or circle network, tends to be most effective because it allows for open communication and input from all members, which is crucial for handling complex information and making informed decisions. The wheel network, with a central figure through which all communication passes, is more suited for simple and routine tasks.

Question 8

The form of organizational communication most often distorted is horizontal communication.

Accepted Answer

Vertical communication, especially downward communication from superiors to subordinates, is more often distorted due to hierarchical barriers and potential filtering at various levels. Horizontal communication, between peers at the same level, tends to be less formal and thus less prone to distortion.

Question 9

Communication always involves two or more people.

Accepted Answer

Communication is defined as the process of exchanging information or ideas between two or more people. Therefore, it always involves at least two individuals.

Question 10

Give-and-take communication with active feedback is likely to be more effective than one-way communication.

Accepted Answer

Giving and taking communication with active feedback creates a two-way dialogue which allows for clarification, understanding, and an opportunity for both parties to contribute. This approach is more effective than one-way communication where the message is transmitted without any feedback or opportunity for interaction.

Question 11

Accuracy is the primary advantage of oral communication.

Accepted Answer

While oral communication can be effective for conveying emotion and tone, it is often subject to misinterpretation, forgetfulness, and distortion. Written communication typically provides greater accuracy, as it allows for precise wording, clarity, and the opportunity to review and revise before sharing.

Question 12

Blogs can function much like face-to-face grapevines to communicate information that's suppressed elsewhere.

Accepted Answer

Yes, blogs can serve as alternative sources of information that may not be covered by traditional mainstream media, and can thus function like grapevines in conveying information that might otherwise be suppressed or overlooked.

Question 13

Most executives prefer oral communication.

Accepted Answer

Many executives prefer oral communication as it allows for immediate feedback and clarification, and can help build relationships through personal interactions. However, this may not be true for all executives and some may prefer written communication or a combination of both.

Question 14

Some organizations do not have a grapevine.

Accepted Answer

Almost all organizations have a grapevine or informal communication network. It may not be acknowledged or officially recognized by the organization, but it exists nonetheless.

Question 15

Interpersonal relations,communication,and group processes are a pervasive part of all organizations and a vital part of all managerial activities.

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal relations, communication, and group processes are essential components of organizational behavior and impact managerial activities in various ways. Effective communication and group processes enable managers to inspire and motivate employees, build cohesive teams, facilitate problem-solving and decision-making, and improve organizational performance. Additionally, healthy interpersonal relations between employees and leaders promote employee engagement, reduce conflict and turnover, and enhance job satisfaction and retention. Therefore, it is true that these factors are pervasive elements of all organizations and a crucial aspect of managerial tasks.

Question 16

Managers should do whatever it takes to eliminate the informal communication system in the organization.

Accepted Answer

It is not advisable to completely eliminate informal communication as it plays an important role in building relationships, obtaining informal feedback, and sharing knowledge and ideas quickly. However, managers should strive to balance informal and formal communication systems to maintain a productive and healthy workplace environment.

Question 17

The nature of interpersonal relations in an organization is as varied as the individual members themselves.

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal relations in an organization are influenced by factors such as personality, communication styles, work roles, and organizational culture, which combine to create a wide range of dynamics and interactions between individuals. Therefore, the nature of these relations is highly varied and cannot be generalized.

Question 18

The Y is the most centralized network because one person receives and disseminates all information.

Accepted Answer

The statement is incorrect. The Y is a decentralized network where each person receives and disseminates information to their immediate neighbors, rather than relying on one central point.

Question 19

If managers want to use the most accurate form of communication,they should use the grapevine.

Accepted Answer

The grapevine is actually known to be the least accurate form of communication as it relies on rumors and gossip which may not be true. Managers should use more formal and direct forms of communication such as face-to-face meetings or official company memos for accurate communication.

Question 20

Poor-quality interpersonal relations can be an important negative element in the workplace.

Accepted Answer

Poor-quality interpersonal relations, such as conflicts, lack of trust, and communication breakdown, can decrease morale, productivity, and job satisfaction among employees, and thus have a negative impact on the workplace.

Quiz 17: Managing Interpersonal Relations and Communication