Deck 19: Appendix: Workplace Communication and Interviewing

Question 1

Much of workplace communication is __________, consisting of the messages people within the workplace convey to each other.

A) external
B) upward
C) downward
D) internal

Answer 1

internal

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a type of formal communication?

A) Upward
B) Lateral
C) Equivocal
D) Downward

Answer 2

Equivocal

Question 3

Becky is the communication director for a major public relations company. She served on the committee that drafted the company's mission statement and helps the upper-level managers edit memos and official announcements. Becky also writes the company newsletter that is distributed once a month. Based on these examples, Becky's job seems to involve which kind of communication?

A) Formal
B) Informal
C) Downward
D) Upward

Answer 3

Formal

Question 4

What type of formal communication includes communication with co-workers and anyone else whose level of power is similar to yours?

A) Equivocal
B) Lateral
C) Collegial
D) Workplace

Question 5

Which of the following describes the type of communication that is not sanctioned by an employer but arises from the social interactions of its members?

A) Informal
B) Casual
C) Downward
D) Lateral

Question 6

Which of the following statements is NOT true about a grapevine in the workplace?

A) Grapevines use multiple communication channels.
B) Communication along the grapevine is usually inaccurate.
C) People rely heavily on the grapevine during a crisis.
D) People using the grapevine in the workplace see informal messages taking an unpredictable path.

Question 7

Sergei works for a shipping company that has been heavily affected by the economic downturn. When a local newspaper reports that the company will start laying off employees, Sergei spends much of his lunch break speculating with his co-workers about who might be affected. He is eager to hear what others think, but also to offer his own opinions, as well as what he has heard. Sergei's use of communication most likely reflects which idea?

A) Communication along the grapevine can be remarkably accurate.
B) People use the grapevine in unpredictable ways.
C) People rely heavily on the grapevine during a crisis.
D) Grapevines use multiple communication channels.

Question 8

When used effectively, _______________ communication can enhance reputation, productivity, community support, and economic success.

A) formal
B) informal
C) internal
D) external

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT usually an intended audience for a company's external communication?

A) Potential personnel
B) Lawmakers
C) Competitors
D) Stockholders

Question 10

Angie works for a local nonprofit organization, which is in desperate need of volunteers. Angie places several radio and Internet ads promoting the advantages of helping the less fortunate. Which audience is Angie targeting with her external communication?

A) The media
B) The general public
C) Consumers
D) Potential personnel

Question 11

Which of the following represents the values, customs, and communication behaviors shared by workplace members, and that is likewise reflective of an organization's distinct identity?

A) Culture
B) Rites
C) Roles
D) Rituals

Question 12

A ceremony to celebrate an employee's promotion is an example of a rite of

A) renewal.
B) integration.
C) celebration.
D) passage.

Question 13

Russ works for a large telecommunications company that has over 400 employees. He enjoys the yearly company picnic, as he has the opportunity to meet new colleagues and catch up with co-workers from across the state. Following these gatherings, Russ always feels a sense of belonging and commitment to the company. These company picnics are an example of what type of rite?

A) Passage
B) Integration
C) Renewal
D) Bonding

Question 14

Wong is a salesman at a used car lot. He works hard and is committed to selling the most cars on the lot and representing his employer in a fair and honest light. During one month in particular, Wong is recognized as Salesperson of the Month, and he receives a plaque and cash bonus. Wong has experienced what type of rite in the workplace?

A) Renewal
B) Integration
C) Enhancement
D) Reward

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a workplace ritual?

A) Task
B) Social
C) Conflict
D) Personal

Question 16

Which of the following are repeated behaviors that provide a familiar routine in a workplace?

A) Roles
B) Rituals
C) Rules
D) Norms

Question 17

If you and your co-workers meet every Tuesday at a local restaurant for happy hour, you have established what kind of ritual?

A) Personal
B) Task
C) Relational
D) Social

Question 18

Lisa is a waitress at a restaurant. After she greets a table of customers, she will list that day's specials and take drink orders. After returning with the drinks, Lisa will then take orders for appetizers and entrees. Because she performs these __________ rituals with every table, it enhances her ability to do her job.

A) task
B) social
C) personal
D) daily

Question 19

The ______ role of a receptionist at a company might be to greet visitors, issue visitor passes, and answer incoming telephone calls.

A) informal
B) task
C) formal
D) organizational

Question 20

Many __________ roles that workplace members might play, including "conflict mediator", "confidante", or "social event organizer", are seen by others as indispensible to the group's success.

A) formal
B) informal
C) social
D) relational

Question 21

Which of the following terms describes the increasing interconnectedness of societies and their economies as a result of developments in transportation and communication?

A) Globalization
B) Internationalization
C) Unification
D) Integration

Question 22

When we buy products manufactured or assembled in other countries and then imported into the United States, we are affecting, and being affected by,

A) internationalization.
B) productivity.
C) globalization.
D) economizing.

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a challenge specifically posed by communication technology in the workplace?

A) Choosing a communication channel
B) Avoiding conflict
C) Ensuring security
D) Reducing distraction

Question 24

Shari works for the state division of child protective services. The e-mails and faxes she sends and receives contain highly confidential information that has the potential to harm others' reputations and even their safety. Shari carefully maintains her e-mail distribution list, and every e-mail and fax she sends includes a note on the bottom informing the recipient that all information contained therein is confidential. Shari is attempting to overcome which challenge to communication technology in the workplace?

A) Reducing distraction
B) Choosing a communication channel
C) Work/life conflict
D) Ensuring security

Question 25

According to a study, 1.5 percent of total office productivity is lost every year in U.S. businesses as a result of employees' personal use of Facebook during work hours. What challenge does this issue represent in terms of communication technology in the workplace?

A) Ensuring security
B) Choosing a communication channel
C) Work/life conflict
D) Reducing distraction

Question 26

Franco is the vice president of an organic grocery store and is also the happy father of a two-month old boy. Franco's store has recently opened locations all over the region, so he has been spending a lot of his time traveling to the new stores to ensure they are up and running successfully. As a result, Franco doesn't get to spend a lot of time with his newborn child. He tells himself that this is a short-term problem. What type of work/life conflict does Franco seem to be experiencing?

A) Life interference with work
B) Burnout interference
C) Work interference with life
D) Imbalance of priorities

Question 27

One of the most harmful effects of work/life conflict is a chronic sense of exhaustion or apathy that can come from long-term frustration and stress. Which of the following best describes the effect of this type of conflict?

A) Burnout
B) Fatigue
C) Tiredness
D) Anxiety

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a consequence to a workplace when an employee suffers burnout?

A) Lost productivity
B) Decreased communicative effectiveness
C) Increased absenteeism
D) Decreased apathy

Question 29

Bryant has kept his homosexuality private at his place of employment. However, a co-worker sees him out with his male partner in public one Saturday evening. At work the following Monday, Bryant is subjected to derogatory comments and anti-gay jokes made by some of his co-workers. What type of sexual harassment is Bryant experiencing?

A) Quid pro quo
B) Hostile work environment
C) Homophobic
D) Workplace

Question 30

In many workplaces, employees represent a mix of different cultures, religious beliefs, mental and physical abilities, educational achievements, ages, genders, and political orientations. These workplaces could be described as having which of the following?

A) Uniformity
B) Variety
C) Multiplicity
D) Diversity

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a way to improve your adaptability to workplace diversity?

A) Remember being different doesn't mean being wrong
B) Help others adapt
C) Expect others to be as tolerant as you
D) Check your assumptions

Question 32

Karina is the administrative assistant for the president of a biotechnology firm. She gets frustrated when she sends an important e-mail to her boss and he doesn't reply immediately. She doesn't understand why he won't prioritize information the way she does. What can Karina do to understand this difference better?

A) Help others adapt
B) Check her assumptions
C) Remember being different doesn't mean being wrong
D) Communicate her anger

Question 33

When you sit down with someone to discuss your performance and your goals for the future, you're taking part in a(n) ___________ interview.

A) exit
B) problem-solving
C) counseling
D) appraisal

Question 34

During what type of interview would you describe both positive and negative aspects of your job, your supervisors, and the organization before moving to another position or job?

A) Exit
B) Appraisal
C) Survey
D) Problem-solving

Question 35

Wayne is a census worker for the U.S. government. In an attempt to count and gather information about the U.S. population, Wayne visits households and businesses and asks a variety of questions. These questions include, "How many people live in your household"? and "How many employees are employed full-time here"? Wayne is conducting what type of interview as a part of his job?

A) Selection
B) Persuasive
C) Survey
D) Appraisal

Question 36

What is the first step in landing a job interview?

A) Prepare a cover letter
B) Check your online persona
C) Conduct a job search
D) Prepare a resume

Question 37

In your ______________, you have the opportunity to express your interest in the job and to describe how your education, skills, and experience would benefit the employer.

A) resume
B) cover letter
C) job search
D) interview

Question 38

Which of the following should NOT be included on a resume?

A) References
B) Salary expectations
C) Education
D) Job-related skills

Question 39

When detailing your employment experience on a resume, how should you list your jobs?

A) Alphabetically
B) Geographically
C) By importance
D) By most recent

Question 40

Dina is applying for a job as an assistant at a local food bank. She makes sure to Google her name, and checks all the web sites that come up. She makes sure nothing inappropriate appears on her Facebook page. What step of the job application process is Dina performing?

A) Preparing her resume
B) Cleaning up her image
C) Checking her online persona
D) Creating an online persona

Question 41

Which of the following should you do to succeed in a job interview?

A) Research your potential employer
B) Keep your answers long and detailed
C) Don't ask any questions of your interviewer
D) Do not contact the potential employer after the interview

Question 42

Which of the following types of questions is NOT likely to be used in an interview?

A) Open-ended
B) Probing
C) Hypothetical
D) Personal

Question 43

"Can you work the night shift"? would be an example of what type of question in a job interview?

A) Open-ended
B) Closed-ended
C) Hypothetical
D) Probing

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a strategy for formulating questions for your interviewer?

A) Ask questions that allow the interviewer to reflect on his or her own experiences.
B) Don't ask for details about the company that you should already know.
C) Address salary or benefits, unless the interviewer already has.
D) Ask questions that indicate your long-term interest in the job.

Question 45

By asking your interviewer, "What has been your experience working for this company"? you are employing what strategy?

A) Indicating your long-term interest in the job
B) Asking for details about the company that you don't already know
C) Asking about your future at the company
D) Allowing the interviewer to reflect on his or her own experiences

Question 46

In the United States, the __________________ is the federal agency that monitors unfair discrimination in hiring and firing decisions.

A) Economic Development Administration
B) Employee Benefits Security Administration
C) Commission on Civil Rights
D) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Question 47

Alfred is doing well in his job interview for a position at a local politician's campaign office. However, he's a bit surprised when the interviewer asks if he has any disabilities. This is most likely because this is a(n) _____________ question.

A) illegal
B) immoral
C) open-ended
D) loaded

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a way to respond tactfully to an illegal question in a job interview?

A) Take advantage of the question.
B) Inform the interviewer that the question is illegal.
C) Neutralize the question.
D) Tactfully refuse to answer.

Question 49

During his job interview, Thomas is asked whether he plans on getting married and having children. Although Thomas knows the question is illegal, he ________________ by stating that his family plans would not interfere with his ability to do the job in question.

A) poses a tactful inquiry
B) takes advantage of the question
C) tactfully refuses to answer
D) neutralizes the question