Question 1

Cross-cultural communication:

Accepted Answer

Cross-cultural communication can be difficult because different cultures may have different interpretations of words and phrases. Therefore, the same word may be understood in different ways by different people, causing misunderstandings and confusion. While technology has made communication easier, it has not eliminated the need for understanding cultural differences. Also, the world's cultures are not becoming more homogenous, they are actually becoming more diverse.

Question 2

If a communication network becomes bogged down with information, it is said to:

Accepted Answer

If a communication network becomes bogged down with information, it means that it is overloaded. The other options, such as being queued or in a gatekeeping mode, refer to specific situations that may contribute to the overload, but do not fully explain the problem. The MUM effect is not a commonly used term in this context.

Question 3

One way to minimize distortion and omission problems in communication is the practice of:

Accepted Answer

Redundancy, or repeating important information or messages, can help minimize distortion and omission problems in communication. This ensures that the message is received and understood correctly by the recipient. Active listening can certainly help with communication effectiveness, but it does not specifically address distortion and omission problems. Queuing and information skimming are not relevant to minimizing communication problems.

Question 4

A communication difference between men and women is that men:

Accepted Answer

Men are generally more status-oriented in their communication, focusing on establishing dominance or hierarchy, whereas women often emphasize connection and community.

Question 5

When professionals use a specialized language they are:

Accepted Answer

When professionals use a specialized language, they are often using jargon. Jargon is a specialized set of terms or language used within a particular profession or industry that may be difficult for non-experts to understand. While this language may be necessary for effective communication within a specific context, it can also create barriers to communication for those outside the profession.

Question 6

Jim is in China teaching English as a second language. Even though both he and his students are using English to communicate, Jim can promote cross-cultural communication by:

Accepted Answer

By assuming that the student's perspective on English is different than his own, Jim can better understand their communication challenges and adapt his teaching style to meet their unique needs. This promotes cross-cultural communication and helps students feel understood and valued. Carefully evaluating student messages is also important, but assuming that his perceptions are always correct can limit his ability to learn from his students and build trust with them.

Question 7

In Japan, "no" is communicated by ________.

Accepted Answer

In Japan, saying "no" directly can be seen as impolite or confrontational, so instead, people may resort to indirect communication techniques such as leaving the room, responding in a tangential manner, or changing the topic through questioning. Therefore, all of the options A, B, and C are correct.

Question 8

Unsolicited commercial e-mails are known as:

Accepted Answer

Unsolicited commercial emails are commonly known as spam. This type of email is usually sent in bulk and without the recipient's consent, often promoting a product or service.

Question 9

Those rumors designed to reduce the level of ambiguity in a situation are known as:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Those rumors designed to reduce the level...

Question 10

The secretary that manages the sales manager's schedule and screens his call, is fulfilling the communication function of:

Accepted Answer

Gatekeeping is the function of controlling and managing access to a person or group. In this case, the secretary is managing the sales manager's schedule and screening his calls, deciding which ones to allow through to him and which ones to filter out. This is an example of gatekeeping. The other options, queuing, verifying, and information skimming, do not accurately describe the secretary's communication function in this scenario.

Question 11

In a small manufacturing business, the technical professionals are not understood by the first line supervisors when they are explaining how to use the computer guided machines on the plant floor due to the language the 'techies' use. This is an example of the communication barrier of:

Accepted Answer

The language used by the technical professionals is likely filled with jargon or technical terms that are not familiar to the first line supervisors. This presents a communication barrier as the supervisors may not understand what is being said to them.

Question 12

An important implication of gender differences in communication is:

Accepted Answer

The answer of An important implication of gender differences in...

Question 13

About ________ percent of e-mail messages received are considered to be spam.

Accepted Answer

The most commonly cited statistic is that around 75% of emails received are considered to be spam.

Question 14

Dee is actively listening to John's presentation. She is practicing the HURIER model. At one point in the presentation Dee makes sure that John knows that she is paying attention. Dee's action is what part of the HURIER model?

Accepted Answer

Dee's action of making sure John knows she is paying attention falls under the "Responding" aspect of the HURIER model, where the listener gives feedback to the speaker to confirm understanding and enhance communication.

Question 15

In the HURIER model for active listening, if you do not immediately pass judgment on the message being sent, you are practicing:

Accepted Answer

Evaluating in the HURIER model involves analyzing the content of the message without immediately passing judgment, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding before forming an opinion.

Question 16

Probably, the least effective way to counter a rumor about yourself is to:

Accepted Answer

Refuting a rumor directly by simply saying, "I didn't do it," is often the least effective method because it can come across as defensive and does not provide evidence or reasoning to counter the rumor, potentially leaving doubts in people's minds.

Question 17

The annual cost of spam is about:

Accepted Answer

The annual cost of spam is estimated to be around $20 billion, considering factors like lost productivity, technical measures to combat spam, and other indirect costs.

Question 18

There are a number of steps you can take to promote cross-cultural communication, including:

Accepted Answer

Taking the other person's perspective is the best choice as it allows you to understand their cultural background, beliefs, and values. This promotes empathy and understanding, which are crucial for effective cross-cultural communication. Assuming others are similar to yourself can lead to stereotypes and biases, while speaking slowly and loudly can be interpreted as condescending or disrespectful. Carefully evaluating your observations can be helpful but may not always provide a holistic understanding of the other person's cultural perspective.

Question 19

Research shows that when it comes to listening:

Accepted Answer

Research shows that effective listening is a significant tool that can lead to rapid advancement in organizations. It is also noted that there is a gap between how well people think they listen and their actual listening skills. Therefore, option A is incorrect. Option B is partially correct but not the best choice as it only focuses on managers, not everyone, and research does not support that most managers rate their skills as poor. Option D is incorrect as research suggests that people tend to listen more closely to downward communication than upward communication.

Question 20

One of the differences in the way men and women communicate is that women:

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that women tend to use the term "We" more often in their conversations than men do. This is seen as a way to build rapport and establish social connections.

Quiz 9: Communication in Organizations