Question 1

The Japanese base their linguistic style on status and choose from three different styles to express the appropriate level of social respect. This is an example that illustrates that communication can be based on ______.
A) high context
B) social context
C) proverbs
D) conversational taboos

Accepted Answer

The Japanese language employs different styles based on the social status of the people involved in the conversation, which is a clear example of communication being based on social context. This reflects how the relationship between the speakers influences the choice of language.

Question 2

In the United States, an illegal or concealed transaction is often described as working "under the table." This is an example of which complicating factor of communication?
A) idiom
B) slang
C) proverb
D) euphemism

Accepted Answer

Euphemism is a mild or indirect word or phrase that is used in place of a more direct or offensive one. In this case, "working under the table" is a euphemism for an illegal or concealed transaction.

Question 3

While on a student study abroad trip to Kenya, Lauren visits a rural village and has lunch with the children. She asks if they use soap when they wash their hands before meals. It becomes clear that soap is not available in their village. Lauren comments that they must feel dirty. What concept relevant to cross-cultural communication does Lauren exemplify?
A) euphemism
B) narcissism
C) ethnocentrism
D) egomaniacally

Accepted Answer

Lauren's comment reflects ethnocentrism, which is the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own cultural group or culture, leading her to judge the practices of another culture by the standards of her own.

Question 4

Pearle runs her small business with an iron fist. She feels that her employees should know on a regular basis how they are doing with regard to their performance and with reaching the strategies and goals that she has laid out. Although it sounds like a tough work environment, her employees are happy because they have a high sense of involvement and security. What flow of communication direction does Pearle's business have?
A) lateral
B) horizontal
C) downward
D) upward

Accepted Answer

Pearle's approach to communication, where she provides regular feedback on performance and goals, is indicative of downward communication. This is where information flows from higher levels of an organization's hierarchy to lower levels, typically involving directives, performance feedback, and goal setting.

Question 5

Henry and Charlie want to create a company where their employees have a say in the processes and products that they produce. They both feel that it is important to get the opinion of people throughout the organization. They think that with their employee involvement they can improve their processes and products because they are closer to knowing the needs of the customer. Henry and Charlie use which flow of communication direction in their company?
A) lateral
B) horizontal
C) downward
D) upward

Accepted Answer

Upward communication is when ideas and feedback flow from the lower levels of the hierarchy to the upper levels. In this scenario, Henry and Charlie are encouraging their employees to share their opinions and insights, which means the communication is moving upward from the employees to the management.

Question 6

______ is the tendency to believe your culture or ethnicity is superior to everyone else's.
A) Ethnocentrism
B) Altruism
C) Narcissism
D) Egomaniacalism

Accepted Answer

Ethnocentrism is the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture.

Question 7

Western cultures judging people from other cultures who use their hands to eat rather than use utensils is an example of ______.
A) euphemism
B) narcissism
C) ethnocentrism
D) altruism

Accepted Answer

Ethnocentrism is the act of judging another culture solely by the values and standards of one's own culture, which is what is described in the scenario.

Question 8

Anthropologist Edward T. Hall studied the variety of ways different cultures use language and divided cultures into two main groups on that basis. What are the groups called?
A) unsocial context cultures and social context cultures
B) favorable-context cultures and unfavorable-context cultures
C) deep context cultures and shallow context cultures
D) low-context cultures and high-context cultures

Accepted Answer

Edward T. Hall categorized cultures into low-context and high-context based on how much communication in a society relies on implicit messages and nonverbal cues versus explicit verbal messages.

Question 9

Which complicating factor of communication listed below can be described as an informal language applied in a particular context or group?
A) idiom
B) slang
C) proverb
D) euphemism

Accepted Answer

Slang refers to informal language used by a particular group of people or within a specific context, often characterized by unconventional or newly coined words and phrases.

Question 10

A ______ is a communication network in which one individual creates and spreads untrue or inaccurate information to others through the organization.
A) gossip chain
B) rumor string
C) grapevine
D) cluster chain

Accepted Answer

The answer of A ______ is a communication network in...

Question 11

Max is a leader of a creative team at Ads-R-Us. Even though he has a creative team for making advertisements, he understands that great ideas can come from anywhere. He makes a point to let employees from other parts of the company know that their ideas are welcome. Max uses which flow of communication direction?
A) lateral
B) horizontal
C) downward
D) upward

Accepted Answer

Max uses lateral communication direction because he encourages employees from other parts of the company to share their ideas, which is a form of communication that occurs between employees at the same level in the organization.

Question 12

In business environments operating within a ______ culture, there is less emphasis on interpersonal relationships and more on the individual.
A) social context
B) low-context
C) euphemism context
D) high-context

Accepted Answer

In low-context cultures, communication is more explicit, and there is less reliance on the context or non-verbal cues. This leads to a greater focus on the individual and their achievements rather than on building interpersonal relationships, which are more emphasized in high-context cultures.

Question 13

Which term below is defined as the unofficial line of communication between individuals or groups?
A) rumor string
B) gossip chain
C) cluster chain
D) grapevine

Accepted Answer

The term "grapevine" refers to the informal and unofficial channels of communication that exist within an organization or group, allowing information to be passed between individuals outside of formal communication methods.

Question 14

Which of the following statements is true about grapevines?
A) They are more common when managers make employees aware of everything.
B) They tend to communicate messages slowly among the group.
C) They can bring about a sense of unity among the employees who communicate through them.
D) Information shared via a grapevine tends to be true.

Accepted Answer

Grapevines, or informal communication networks within organizations, can foster a sense of unity among employees by facilitating the sharing of information and creating bonds through shared knowledge and experiences. They often operate alongside formal communication channels and can play a significant role in the social aspect of the workplace.

Question 15

In ______, most messages are conveyed through body language, nonverbal cues, and the circumstances in which the communication is taking place.
A) high-context cultures
B) taboo context cultures
C) low-context cultures
D) social context cultures

Accepted Answer

High-context cultures rely heavily on nonverbal cues, body language, and the situational context to communicate messages, rather than solely on spoken or written words.

Question 16

Which form of an informal network is defined as consisting of a group of people who broadcast information only within their group?
A) gossip chain
B) rumor string
C) grapevine
D) cluster chain

Accepted Answer

A cluster chain is a form of informal network where information is shared within a specific group of people, often characterized by common interests or connections, rather than being disseminated widely or outside the group. This contrasts with other forms such as the gossip chain or grapevine, which imply broader or less controlled spread of information.

Question 17

______ depend more on explicit messages conveyed through the spoken or written word.
A) High-context cultures
B) Euphemism cultures
C) Low-context cultures
D) Social context cultures

Accepted Answer

Low-context cultures rely on explicit communication where the message is conveyed directly through words, rather than relying on context or non-verbal cues.

Question 18

Because communication often depends on ______, we tend to use different vocabulary depending on the situation or the person we are talking to.
A) high context
B) social context
C) slang context
D) low context

Accepted Answer

Social context influences the vocabulary and style of communication we use, as it varies depending on the situation and the people involved.

Question 19

KFC's "Finger-Lickin' Good" was interpreted as "Eat your fingers off" in China. This is an example of the breakdown of ______.
A) servant leadership
B) cross-cultural communication
C) diversified communication
D) mixed communication

Accepted Answer

This is an example of the breakdown of cross-cultural communication, where a message or slogan does not translate as intended across different cultures, leading to misunderstandings or unintended interpretations.

Question 20

______ cultures value silence as a way of absorbing information and getting a sense of the people they are communicating with.
A) Euphemism context
B) Low-context
C) Social context
D) High-context

Accepted Answer

High-context cultures often value silence as a means of communication, understanding, and respect, allowing individuals to observe and 'read the room' before speaking.

Quiz 10: Effective Communication

The Japanese base their linguistic style on status and choose from three different styles to express the appropriate level of social respect. This is an example that illustrates that communication can be based on ______.

In the United States, an illegal or concealed transaction is often described as working "under the table." This is an example of which complicating factor of communication?

______ is the tendency to believe your culture or ethnicity is superior to everyone else's.

Western cultures judging people from other cultures who use their hands to eat rather than use utensils is an example of ______.

Anthropologist Edward T. Hall studied the variety of ways different cultures use language and divided cultures into two main groups on that basis. What are the groups called?

Which complicating factor of communication listed below can be described as an informal language applied in a particular context or group?

A ______ is a communication network in which one individual creates and spreads untrue or inaccurate information to others through the organization.

In business environments operating within a ______ culture, there is less emphasis on interpersonal relationships and more on the individual.

Which term below is defined as the unofficial line of communication between individuals or groups?

Which of the following statements is true about grapevines?

In ______, most messages are conveyed through body language, nonverbal cues, and the circumstances in which the communication is taking place.

Which form of an informal network is defined as consisting of a group of people who broadcast information only within their group?

______ depend more on explicit messages conveyed through the spoken or written word.

Because communication often depends on ______, we tend to use different vocabulary depending on the situation or the person we are talking to.

KFC's "Finger-Lickin' Good" was interpreted as "Eat your fingers off" in China. This is an example of the breakdown of ______.

______ cultures value silence as a way of absorbing information and getting a sense of the people they are communicating with.