Type:
Test Bank
Resource:
Excellence in Business Communication
Edition:
5th Edition
Author(s):
John V. Thill Courtland L. Bovee Ava Cross
1.
To adopt an audience-centred approach to communication, what do you need to learn about your audience? List at least three specific examples.
2.
Briefly explain the difference between an ethical dilemma and an ethical lapse.
3.
Describe at least five common characteristics of effective business messages.
4.
Describe the various directions communication flows through an organization's formal hierarchy, and give an example of each one.
5.
Describe the eight phases of the communication process.
6.
Describe four common types of communication barriers.
7.
Describe five strategies for overcoming communication barriers and briefly explain what each one of these strategies requires.
8.
Describe “constructive feedback” and compare it with “destructive feedback.” Why is feedback important? How should you receive feedback?
9.
Collectively, the people with whom you interact—your colleagues, employees, supervisors, customers, and so on—are referred to as __________ .
10.
Whether exchanging emails, giving a formal presentation, or chatting with co-workers at lunch, you are engaging in
11.
__________ (communication, teamwork, problem solving) are just as important as technical abilities, as employers look for well-rounded individuals who will integrate well into their companies.
12.
Communication and effective communication are basically the same thing. a. True b. False
13.
Unclear communication not only results in errors and missed deadlines, but also lies at the root of many other serious workplace issues. a. True b. False
14.
Employers start judging your ability to communicate on the day you show up for the first interview. a. True b. False
15.
Most often you will be communicating with people who are similar to you in age, profession, and ethnic background. a. True b. False
16.
The formal communication network is typically shown as the organizational chart. a. True b. False
17.
Most of the information that flows downward in an organization is geared toward helping employees do their jobs. a. True b. False
18.
Grapevines flourish when employees don’t receive information they want or need. a. True b. False
19.
Although companies often communicate with outsiders in a formal manner, informal contacts with outsiders are not important. a. True b. False
20.
The "grapevine" is another name for formal horizontal communication. a. True b. False
21.
Some executives are wary of the informal communication network. a. True b. False
22.
The grapevine helps employers determine if their formal means of communication are effective. a. True b. False
23.
The first step in the communication process is “the sender has an idea.” a. True b. False
24.
A diverse workforce can yield a significant competitive advantage by bringing more ideas and broader perspectives to bear on business challenges. a. True b. False
25.
Most messages aimed at important external receivers, such as the press, investors, and customers are drafted by the president of the company. a. True b. False
26.
Information has become one of the most important resources in business today. a. True b. False
27.
Company outsiders may form an impression of your organization based on subtle, unconscious clues you transmit through your tone of voice, facial expression, and general appearance. a. True b. False
28.
Whether you're listening or speaking, communication is a two-way process. a. True b. False
29.
The communication process is a simple one consisting of two phases: the sender transmits the message and the receiver gets the message. a. True b. False
30.
Technology always helps a company. a. True b. False
31.
Your communication efforts will also be influenced by the organization’s corporate culture. a. True b. False
32.
A message is interpreted correctly when the receiver assigns to the words the same meaning as the sender intended and then responds in the desired way. a. True b. False
33.
When interference in the communication process distorts or obscures the sender’s meaning, it is called noise. a. True b. False
34.
A major barrier to effective communication is competing messages. a. True b. False
35.
The more your audience members share your experiences—personal, professional, and cultural—the more likely they are to extract the same meanings that you encode in your messages. a. True b. False
36.
Setting aside time to attend to email and telephone messages all at once is one way to help minimize distractions. a. True b. False
37.
Sending more messages is usually better than not sending enough. a. True b. False
38.
With the audience-centred approach, communicators try to learn as much as possible about their receivers. a. True b. False
39.
Your ability to empathize with, be sensitive to, and generally consider your audience's feelings is the best way to be effective in your communication. a. True b. False
40.
It is best to react emotionally when you receive constructive feedback. a. True b. False
41.
Constructive feedback focuses on the process and not the outcomes of communication. a. True b. False
42.
Three principles of etiquette that will get you through almost any situation are respect, fun, and courtesy. a. True b. False
43.
Communicating in today’s business environment nearly always requires some level of technical competence. a. True b. False
44.
Inappropriate web surfing while at work can leave employers open to lawsuits for sexual harassment if inappropriate images are displayed. a. True b. False
45.
When people must choose between conflicting loyalties and weigh difficult trade-offs, they are facing an ethical lapse. a. True b. False
46.
A message that means to mislead or manipulate the audience is unethical. a. True b. False
47.
Because of technology's speed and efficiency, it is the best choice for every communication situation. a. True b. False
48.
"Knowledge workers" are those employees that specialize in acquiring, processing, and communicating information. a. True b. False
49.
Your own skills as a communicator will be as much a factor in your business success as anything else. a. True b. False