Question 1

During a conversation with a co-worker,you begin to feel ignorant and incompetent.The co-worker was probably validating in his conversation with you.

Accepted Answer

If the conversation made you feel ignorant and incompetent, it is unlikely that the co-worker was validating in their conversation with you.

Question 2

If a subordinate's problem stems from attitudes,personality clashes,or other factors tied to emotions,his or her boss faces a counseling problem.

Accepted Answer

Emotional and interpersonal issues require counseling and support from the boss to help the subordinate improve their performance and address any underlying personal issues.

Question 3

One suggested reason as to why communication remains a major problem for managers is that they are expected to focus on what organizational goals should be,not how to accomplish the organizational goals.

Accepted Answer

Communication is a major problem for managers because it involves both setting organizational goals and determining how to achieve those goals. Managers are expected to both set the direction for the organization and effectively communicate that direction to their teams. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that managers are only expected to focus on what organizational goals should be.

Question 4

When utilizing descriptive communication,evaluative comments should never be made.

Accepted Answer

Evaluative comments can be made in persuasive communication, but not in descriptive communication. Descriptive communication should focus on objective and factual description without personal opinions or judgments.

Question 5

Studies have found that people make fewer mental errors when experiencing positive relationships.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that positive relationships have a positive impact on cognitive function and reduce mental errors.

Question 6

Congruence in communication means that what is communicated verbally and nonverbally matches what the person is thinking and feeling.

Accepted Answer

Congruence in communication requires consistency between verbal and nonverbal communication and the person's thoughts and feelings. This helps to build trust and credibility in communication interactions.

Question 7

Problem-oriented communication focuses on the individual's personal traits that led to the unacceptable behavior.

Accepted Answer

Problem-oriented communication focuses on the behavior itself and the problems it creates, not on personal traits of the individual. It is less accusatory and more focused on finding solutions.

Question 8

Your boss usually only likes to discuss his point of view.When you offer another point of view,he ignores you.He is practicing rigidity in his communication.

Accepted Answer

Rigidity in communication refers to a fixed and inflexible style where an individual only considers their own point of view and ignores the opinions and ideas of others. In this scenario, the boss only likes to discuss his point of view and ignores the employee's input, indicating a rigid communication style.

Question 9

Although much progress has recently been made in improving the transmission of accurate messages,comparable progress has not occurred in the interpersonal aspects of communication.

Accepted Answer

The statement clearly states that while progress has been made in transmitting accurate messages, the same cannot be said about the interpersonal aspects of communication. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 10

Much of the literature on communication focuses on the accuracy of information being communicated.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Many studies and theories in communication focus on the importance of clear and accurate information being shared between individuals or groups.

Question 11

If the person you are communicating with suddenly begins to drop important names in the conversation such as "When the general manager,Sue,spoke with me about this matter,I offered her advice ..." you have probably caused this person to feel counseled.

Accepted Answer

Name-dropping often indicates an attempt to impress or assert authority, not necessarily a reaction to feeling counseled.

Question 12

You comment to a co-worker,"My supervisor,Maxine,is dictatorial." This is an example of person-oriented communication.

Accepted Answer

The statement is focused on the person (Maxine) rather than the behavior or situation, making it an example of person-oriented communication.

Question 13

Research indicates that positive interpersonal relationships fostered by supportive communication often contribute to an organization achieving a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that positive interpersonal relationships, which are fostered by supportive communication, can lead to various benefits, including increased job satisfaction, higher productivity, lower turnover rates, and improved customer satisfaction, among others. All these factors can contribute to an organization gaining a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Thus, the statement is true.

Question 14

Whereas coaching focuses on attitudes,counseling concentrates on abilities.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. Coaching focuses on developing an individual's abilities and skills, while counseling focuses on addressing emotional and psychological issues.

Question 15

When her boyfriend asks if everything is okay,a woman coldly responds,"Everything is fine." She is practicing congruent communication.

Accepted Answer

The woman is actually practicing incongruent communication as her words ("Everything is fine.") do not match her tone or behavior, which suggests that something is wrong. Congruent communication means that verbal and nonverbal communication are consistent with each other.

Question 16

If you make the comment,"You are doing it wrong," to a co-worker,you are engaging in evaluative communication.

Accepted Answer

The statement "You are doing it wrong" is making a judgment or evaluation about the co-worker's actions, which falls under evaluative communication.

Question 17

Studies have found that productivity at work is markedly higher when relationships are positive.

Accepted Answer

Positive relationships at work lead to better communication, collaboration, and teamwork, which ultimately increases productivity. Several studies support this finding.

Question 18

Your boss tells you,"I can help you do this better." This statement lets you know that your boss sees your problem as an attitude problem.

Accepted Answer

There is no indication in the statement that the problem is attributed to an attitude issue. The boss simply offers to provide assistance in improving the task.

Question 19

Janine,one of your employees,constantly offers excuses for her behavior when you talk to her.The behavior she exhibits demonstrates that she cares more about self protection than listening.She is being defensive.

Accepted Answer

Janine's constant offering of excuses and prioritizing self-protection over listening indicates that she is being defensive.

Question 20

Communication that is accurate and honest regardless of whether or not it jeopardizes interpersonal relationships is supportive communication.

Accepted Answer

Supportive communication takes into consideration the impact of the message on the relationship and aims to maintain or enhance it. Being completely honest and straightforward without regard for how it will affect the relationship may not be supportive in certain situations.

Quiz 4: Building Relationships by Communicating Supportively