Question 1

The ________ is a major form of the informal communication network.
A) Employee handbook
B) Employee newsletter
C) Department meeting
D) Grapevine

Accepted Answer

The grapevine refers to the informal communication network that exists within an organization, often characterized by rumors and gossip spread through word of mouth. The other options listed are more formal methods of communication within an organization.

Question 2

________ workplace communication includes communication within your immediate department, division, or throughout a company.
A) Formal
B) Informal
C) Network
D) Nonformal

Accepted Answer

Formal workplace communication refers to structured communication that occurs within an organization, such as communication within a department or across the entire company, often following established protocols and channels.

Question 3

Formal communication can occur either:
A) Horizontally or in reverse
B) Vertically or in reverse
C) Vertically or horizontally
D) Organizationally or in reverse

Accepted Answer

Formal communication in organizations can occur vertically (up and down the chain of command) or horizontally (between individuals or departments at the same level of the hierarchy). The option of "in reverse" does not make sense in the context of formal communication. The option of "organizationally" also does not make as much sense as vertical and horizontal communication are both organizational in nature.

Question 4

If you make a poor choice and speak poorly of a coworker behind his or her back:
A) If confronted, lie and say you never said anything bad
B) Immediately apologize to the person you offended
C) Keep silent and hope no one notices
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

It is important to take responsibility for your actions and apologize for speaking poorly of a coworker. This can help repair any damage done to the professional relationship and show that you are taking steps to improve your behavior. Lying or staying silent will only make the situation worse in the long run.

Question 5

When the grapevine is targeting individuals and their personal lives, it is called:
A) Gossip
B) Innuendo
C) Informal communication
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Gossip refers to the spreading of rumors and information about other people's personal lives, often without any factual basis. It is a negative form of communication that can harm personal and professional relationships.

Question 6

Formal ________ communication occurs among individuals or departments at the same or close organizational levels.
A) Vertical
B) Horizontal
C) Organizational
D) Reverse

Accepted Answer

Horizontal communication occurs among individuals or departments at the same or close organizational levels, such as between colleagues or between departments. Vertical communication, on the other hand, involves communication between different levels of hierarchy, such as between a supervisor and a subordinate. Organizational communication refers to the overall communication practices and culture within an organization, and reverse communication refers to communication initiated by lower-level employees to higher-level employees.

Question 7

________ workplace communication occurs among individuals without regard to the formal lines of authority.
A) Informal
B) Formal
C) Horizontal
D) Vertical

Accepted Answer

Informal workplace communication refers to communication that occurs without following the formal lines of authority. It is more casual and relaxed in nature, and it typically happens between coworkers at the same level or different levels of the hierarchy. This type of communication is often used for sharing important information, building relationships, and creating a positive work environment.

Question 8

If someone starts to share gossip with you, you should:
A) Transition the conversation to a more positive subject
B) Politely interrupt
C) Defend your coworker
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Each of the options provided are constructive ways to handle a situation where gossip is being shared. Transitioning the conversation to a more positive subject, politely interrupting, and defending a coworker are all effective strategies to discourage gossip and maintain a positive and respectful workplace environment.

Question 9

________ is the process of a sender sending a message to an individual (receiver) with the purpose of creating mutual understanding.
A) Encoding
B) Gossip
C) Communication
D) Sending

Accepted Answer

Communication is the process of sending a message from sender to receiver with the intention of creating mutual understanding. Encoding is only one part of the communication process, while gossip is not necessarily intended for mutual understanding. Sending is too broad and does not encompass the purpose of communication.

Question 10

Examples of noise include:
A) You wondering what you will have for dinner
B) The hum of a copy machine operating
C) A motivational poster hanging in an office
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Noise in communication refers to any external or internal interference that disrupts the message being sent or received. This includes mental distractions (A), environmental sounds (B), and even visual elements that might distract or detract from the message (C).

Question 11

Examples of formal communication include a (n):
A) E-mail message, a memo, and the grapevine
B) Organization chart and the grapevine
C) Memo and an e-mail message
D) Memo, the grapevine, and an organization chart

Accepted Answer

Formal communication refers to official messages that follow a prescribed format, which include memos and emails. The grapevine is an example of informal communication, while an organization chart is a visual representation of the company's structure and not a form of communication in itself.

Question 12

Examples of informal communication include:
A) A memo informing you of a new policy
B) Friends telling you about a new policy during your lunch break
C) Your boss telling you about a new policy in a meeting
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Informal communication refers to communication that occurs outside of formal channels and without specific protocols or policies in place. Option B is the only example that reflects informal communication, as it involves friends sharing information without a formal structure or policy in place. Option A involves a memo, which is a formal communication channel, and option C involves a boss communicating policy in a formal meeting.

Question 13

The goal of effective workplace communication is to:
A) Overcommunicate
B) Use it to your advantage
C) Withhold information
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Effective workplace communication aims to convey information clearly and accurately, not overcommunicate, use it for personal gain, or withhold information.

Question 14

Gossip is:
A) A form of disrespect
B) Inappropriate at work
C) Both A and B
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Gossiping about others is a form of disrespect and can create a negative work environment, leading to decreased productivity and morale. Therefore, it is inappropriate to engage in gossip at work.

Question 15

The two primary workplace communication channels include:
A) Formal and network
B) Formal and nonformal
C) Informal and network
D) Formal and informal

Accepted Answer

The two primary workplace communication channels are formal and informal. Formal communication channels are structured and follow organizational hierarchy, such as emails, memos, and official meetings. Informal communication channels are less structured and are based on social relationships, such as conversations in the break room or quick chats before meetings. Network communication channels refer to the channels used to establish and maintain relationships, both within and outside of the organization, and can be either formal or informal. Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it highlights the two primary workplace communication channels.

Question 16

When discovering you are the topic of the rumor mill, you should:
A) Tell your boss
B) Ignore the personal attacks
C) Send an e-mail message to your coworkers clarifying the rumor
D) Confront the gossip

Accepted Answer

Ignoring personal attacks is often the best initial approach to avoid escalating the situation and giving the rumor more attention.

Question 17

Examples of feedback include:
A) Written, verbal, or nonverbal communication
B) Noise, encoding, and decoding
C) Both A and B
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Feedback refers to the communication of a response or reaction by the receiver of a message to the sender. This can be communicated in various forms, including written, verbal, or nonverbal communication. Feedback is a key component in communication as it helps ensure messages are received and understood as intended. Noise, encoding, and decoding are also important factors in communication but not examples of feedback. Therefore, the best choice is C.

Question 18

________ communication is workplace communication that occurs through the formal lines of authority.
A) Informal
B) Network
C) Nonformal
D) Formal

Accepted Answer

Formal communication in the workplace refers to communication that follows the established hierarchy and official channels of communication. This type of communication includes directives from managers to employees, policies and procedures, and other important information that is necessary for organizational functioning.

Question 19

Formal ________ communication comes in the form of policies, procedures, directives, and through the organization chart.
A) Reverse
B) Horizontal
C) Vertical
D) Organizational

Accepted Answer

Vertical communication refers to the flow of information up and down the hierarchy of the organization, such as from superiors to subordinates or from subordinates to superiors. Formal communication in the form of policies, procedures, directives, and the organization chart typically follows a vertical communication pattern. Reverse communication (A) refers to communication that goes against the normal direction of communication flow, while horizontal communication (B) refers to communication that takes place between individuals or departments at the same level of the organizational hierarchy. Organizational communication (D) is a broader term that encompasses all types of communication within an organization, both formal and informal.

Question 20

At work, you have the obligation to share information that is:
A) Timely
B) Accurate
C) Appropriate
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the above options (timely, accurate, appropriate) are important when sharing information at work.

Timely information ensures that others can take necessary actions or make decisions promptly. Accurate information helps to avoid mistakes or misunderstandings. Appropriate information means that you are sharing what is necessary and relevant without oversharing or divulging confidential information. As an employee, it is important to prioritize all three of these factors when sharing information with colleagues, superiors, or clients.

Quiz 9: Communication

The ________ is a major form of the informal communication network.

________ workplace communication includes communication within your immediate department, division, or throughout a company.

Formal communication can occur either:

If you make a poor choice and speak poorly of a coworker behind his or her back:

When the grapevine is targeting individuals and their personal lives, it is called:

Formal ________ communication occurs among individuals or departments at the same or close organizational levels.

________ workplace communication occurs among individuals without regard to the formal lines of authority.

If someone starts to share gossip with you, you should:

________ is the process of a sender sending a message to an individual (receiver) with the purpose of creating mutual understanding.

Examples of noise include:

Examples of formal communication include a (n) :

Examples of informal communication include:

The goal of effective workplace communication is to:

Gossip is:

The two primary workplace communication channels include:

When discovering you are the topic of the rumor mill, you should:

Examples of feedback include:

________ communication is workplace communication that occurs through the formal lines of authority.

Formal ________ communication comes in the form of policies, procedures, directives, and through the organization chart.

At work, you have the obligation to share information that is: