Question 1

What approach to formal information systems is an organization taking when it appoints an individual to become familiar with and to provide for the information needs of the organization's various units?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What approach to formal information systems is...

Question 2

The CEO of an auction company suffered chest pains and was hospitalized.This news instantly traveled throughout the organization as one person told a group of people,who then told another group,and so on.Which type of grapevine does situation represent?

Accepted Answer

The situation represents a "Cluster" grapevine, where one person tells a group of people, who then tell other groups, spreading the information in clusters or to select groups of individuals rather than through a single chain or to everyone at once.

Question 3

When the marketing director coordinates with the production director they are engaging in ____ communication.

Accepted Answer

Horizontal communication refers to communication between people on the same level or department within an organization. In this case, the marketing director and the production director are likely on the same level within the organization, working together to coordinate marketing efforts with production capabilities.

Question 4

Which of the following is likely to occur if electronic communication is used at the expense of face-to-face meetings and conversations?

Accepted Answer

All of the choices are likely to occur if electronic communication is used excessively instead of face-to-face meetings and conversations. Building a strong organization culture, developing solid working relationships, and creating a mutually supportive atmosphere of trust and cooperation are all facilitated by in-person interactions. However, electronic communication can make it easier for members of the organization to work from widely separated locations.

Question 5

____ communication is more likely to occur among managers than among nonmanagers.

Accepted Answer

Horizontal communication refers to communication that takes place between individuals at the same level of hierarchy within an organization. Since managers are more likely to interact with other managers on a regular basis, horizontal communication is likely to occur frequently among managers. Vertical communication, on the other hand, refers to communication that takes place up or down the chain of command, while transactional communication refers to communication that involves an exchange of messages between individuals or groups.

Question 6

The two approaches organizations can take to create a formal information system are

Accepted Answer

The answer of The two approaches organizations can take to...

Question 7

Which of the following statements does NOT describe a characteristic of the grapevine?

Accepted Answer

The grapevine, or informal communication network within organizations, does not guarantee inclusion for everyone. It is characterized by its ability to start anywhere, include certain individuals in most messages, flow in various directions, and manifest primarily in cluster and gossip forms.

Question 8

Human Resources is changing the company pay structure.The HR director discussed the details with the communications director so she could write the communications plan.An assistant in HR told people that pay changes were coming.These people told more people.Word traveled so fast that there was anxiety before the announcement was made.It traveled all over the organization via which type of grapevine?

Accepted Answer

The cluster grapevine involves a few people spreading information to a select group, who then pass it on to others, creating a rapid spread of information, as described in the scenario.

Question 9

Human Resources is changing the company pay structure.The HR director discussed the details with the communications director so she could write the communications plan.This is an example of ____ communication.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of horizontal communication, as it is communication between two individuals who are on the same level in the organizational hierarchy (HR and communications directors).

Question 10

Which of the following types of communication does NOT typically follow formal organizational channels of communication?

Accepted Answer

The grapevine is an informal type of communication network that exists within an organization and typically operates outside of formal channels. Vertical, upward, and downward communication all follow formal organizational channels, while horizontal communication occurs between individuals or departments at the same level within the organization.

Question 11

____ is an informal communication network among people in an organization.

Accepted Answer

A grapevine is an informal network of communication channels that exist within an organization. It involves the transmission of information, rumors, and gossip among employees, often outside of formal communication channels. It is not an official part of the organizational communication structure, but it can have a significant impact on organizational culture and employee behavior.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the grapevine is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

The grapevine is not a reliable way to transmit confidential information as it can often lead to rumors and distorted information. It is better to use official communication channels for confidential information.

Question 13

If a manager decided to respond to a grapevine by ____,it would most likely be a waste of his or her time.

Accepted Answer

The grapevine is an informal system of communication that is difficult to control or eliminate. It is therefore not worth the manager's time to attempt to eliminate it. Instead, the manager should focus on addressing any issues that are being propagated through the grapevine and work to provide accurate and timely information to employees.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about the grapevine is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Grapevine information may not be official, but it is often accurate because it originates from informal sources within the organization who have firsthand knowledge of the situation.

Question 15

The two most commonly occurring grapevines are

Accepted Answer

Cluster and gossip are the two most commonly occurring grapevines in organizational communication, where information is spread informally among employees.

Question 16

Politicians sometimes want to gauge public opinion about an idea before they formally announce it.They have subordinates talk off the record with reporters.This is part of the ____.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of informal communication, as the subordinates are not officially communicating on behalf of the politician and are sharing information off the record.

Question 17

Which of the following statements does NOT describe an effect that telecommuting has on organizations and the people in them?

Accepted Answer

Telecommuting allows employees to work remotely, which can lead to challenges in building relationships, staying connected with informal networks, and navigating organizational politics due to physical absence. However, it doesn't inherently provide more time for study or ensure that individuals keep up with advancements in their field; this depends on personal time management and job requirements.

Question 18

Which of the following forms of organizational communication is very useful for coordinating the efforts of interdependent units in an organization?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal communication involves communication between individuals or units at the same level within an organization, and it is very useful for coordinating the efforts of interdependent units. By sharing information and making decisions together, units can work more efficiently and effectively towards a common goal. Vertical communication (choices A, B, and C) is more focused on conveying information up or down the hierarchy of an organization, and informal communication (choice E) is not typically structured enough for coordinating interdependent units.

Question 19

An organizational grapevine would be most likely to form in the absence of what kind of communication?

Accepted Answer

Grapevines, or informal communication networks, often form when there is a lack of formal downward communication from management to employees. This absence leads employees to seek out information from informal sources.

Question 20

A work team composed of various functional managers would tend to encourage

Accepted Answer

A work team composed of various functional managers would tend to encourage horizontal communication, as the team members come from different functional areas, and need to communicate horizontally to integrate their efforts and achieve the team goals.

Quiz 17: Managing Interpersonal Relations and Communication