Question 1

The means chosen for a particular communication are generally governed by all of the following except:
A) need for documentation (a paper trail)
B) personal preference
C) importance of the issue
D) sensitivity of the issue

Accepted Answer

The means of communication are typically chosen based on factors like documentation needs, importance, and sensitivity of the issue, rather than personal preference.

Question 2

Information flows downward in an organization better than it flows upward in part because _______________.
A) management controls most of the means of communication within the organization
B) few employees feel they have anything worth communicating upward
C) the majority of employees are readily receptive to whatever comes down from top management
D) employees know that even if they say or ask nothing, management will anticipate their needs and communicate accordingly

Accepted Answer

Management controls most of the means of communication within the organization, which facilitates the downward flow of information more effectively than upward communication.

Question 3

The telephone will remain important in business communication because _________________.
A) it has proven to be the most accurate means of interpersonal communication available
B) it provides the opportunity for immediate feedback and response
C) since the person on the other end of the line is not seen, irrelevant distractions are avoided
D) it leaves no tell-tale record of what was said and how it was said

Accepted Answer

The telephone allows for real-time conversation, enabling immediate feedback and response, which is crucial in business communication.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT one of the principal components of communication?
A) Initiation
B) Feedback
C) Argument
D) Transmission

Accepted Answer

Argument is not a principal component of communication; the main components are initiation, transmission, and feedback.

Question 5

Feedback is an essential part of all modes of communication because:
A) all parties to a conversation and all recipients of a message are entitled to their turn
B) it is needed to ensure that the intended message was received
C) whether needed or not, it is the step that closes the communication loop
D) None of these are correct

Accepted Answer

Feedback is crucial in communication as it confirms whether the message was understood as intended, ensuring effective communication.

Question 6

When writing a business letter, it is recommended to make the same important statement two or three times in different words to ensure it is understood.

Accepted Answer

Repetition can make the letter seem redundant and unprofessional. It's better to be clear and concise, ensuring the important statement is well-articulated the first time.

Question 7

One significant problem affecting interpersonal communication is the tendency of most people to believe they are better communicators than they really are.

Accepted Answer

This is known as the "illusion of transparency" or "communication bias," where individuals overestimate their ability to convey messages clearly and understand others, leading to misunderstandings.

Question 8

The potentially strongest means of communication in business is the formal letter.

Accepted Answer

While formal letters are important, digital communication methods like emails and video conferencing are often more efficient and widely used in modern business environments.

Question 9

E-mail is an efficient means of communication because, unlike formal letter writing, editing and rewriting are unnecessary.

Accepted Answer

Editing and rewriting are often necessary in emails to ensure clarity, professionalism, and to correct any errors before sending.

Question 10

One of the principal advantages of face-to-face communication is that the recipient of the message is exposed to nonverbal as well as verbal elements.

Accepted Answer

Face-to-face communication allows for the observation of body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, which are important nonverbal elements that complement verbal communication.

Question 11

Communication may be improved by checking information through repetition with exactitude, paraphrasing, and/or asking for feedback.

Accepted Answer

Repetition, paraphrasing, and asking for feedback are effective communication techniques that ensure clarity, understanding, and accuracy of the information being exchanged.

Question 12

The first need to be considered when planning a meeting is what persons of what qualifications should attend.

Accepted Answer

The first consideration when planning a meeting is typically the purpose or objective of the meeting, which then informs who should attend.

Question 13

The principal reason for keeping formal letter writing to a bare minimum is to avoid contributing to the overflow of paperwork experienced in health care.

Accepted Answer

The principal reason for keeping formal letter writing to a bare minimum is often to ensure clarity, efficiency, and effectiveness in communication, not specifically to reduce paperwork in healthcare.

Question 14

The fastest means of communication within the work organization often operates outside of the organization's formal communication channels.

Accepted Answer

Informal communication, such as gossip or casual conversations, often spreads information more quickly than formal channels due to its spontaneous and unstructured nature.

Question 15

Distrust of various individuals within the chain of command can impede both upward and downward communication.

Accepted Answer

Distrust can create barriers in communication as individuals may withhold information, misinterpret messages, or avoid interactions, leading to ineffective communication within the chain of command.

Quiz 11: Communication: The Glue That Binds Us Together

The means chosen for a particular communication are generally governed by all of the following except:

Information flows downward in an organization better than it flows upward in part because _______________.

The telephone will remain important in business communication because _________________.

Which of the following is NOT one of the principal components of communication?

Feedback is an essential part of all modes of communication because: