chapter 10

Question 1

What is the basic definition of communication in OB?

Answer 1

Transfer of information and meaning from sender to receiver.

Question 2

Why is communication important in organizations?

Answer 2

It is essential for coordination, task management, feedback, and performance.

Question 3

What are the key steps in the communication process?

Answer 3

Encoding, Message Transmission, Decoding.

Question 4

What is ‘noise’ in communication?

Answer 4

Any interference that distorts a message during encoding or decoding.

Question 5

What affects communicator competence?

Answer 5

Skills in encoding/decoding messages accurately.

Question 6

Define ‘Information Richness.’

Answer 6

Depth and detail in communication, crucial for complex messages.

Question 7

Which channel has the highest information richness?

Answer 7

Face-to-face communication.

Question 8

Name two common types of computer-mediated communication.

Answer 8

Email and videoconferencing.

Question 9

What are the advantages of face-to-face communication?

Answer 9

Immediate feedback and inclusion of nonverbal cues.

Question 10

Why is computer-mediated communication often limited in richness?

Answer 10

Lacks nonverbal cues, which can reduce understanding.

Question 11

What is formal communication?

Answer 11

Official communication paths, like downward, upward, and horizontal channels.

Question 12

Describe the ‘all-channel’ communication network.

Answer 12

Decentralized, allowing all team members to communicate freely.

Question 13

Describe the ‘wheel’ network.

Answer 13

Centralized, with all communication going through a single leader.

Question 14

What is ‘downward communication’?

Answer 14

Flow of information from higher to lower levels (e.g., manager to employee).

Question 15

Define ‘upward communication.’

Answer 15

Information flowing from employees to management (e.g., feedback).

Question 16

What is the ‘grapevine’ in communication?

Answer 16

An informal network where unofficial information circulates.

Question 17

How can rumors and gossip impact an organization?

Answer 17

They can lead to misinformation and reduce trust.

Question 18

How does communication impact job performance?

Answer 18

Supervisor feedback improves performance if it is constructive and credible.

Question 19

How does communication affect organizational commitment?

Answer 19

Enhances employee involvement and sense of belonging.

Question 20

What is a ‘behavioral interview’?

Answer 20

An interview that asks about past behaviors to predict future performance.

Question 21

Define ‘situational interview.’

Answer 21

An interview that presents hypothetical scenarios to gauge responses.

Question 22

Why are nonverbal cues important in interviews?

Answer 22

They reveal insights into cultural fit and interest.

Question 23

What is the purpose of an ‘all-channel’ network?

Answer 23

Ideal for complex tasks needing broad, open communication.

Question 24

When is a ‘wheel’ network most effective?

Answer 24

For simple tasks where centralized control is efficient.

Question 25

What is communicator competence?

Answer 25

Ability to convey and interpret messages effectively.

Question 26

Explain ‘gender differences’ in communication.

Answer 26

Different styles may impact interpretation and engagement.

Question 27

Name a key impact of effective communication on employees.

Answer 27

Increased job satisfaction.

Question 28

Why is adapting communication to the channel important?

Answer 28

Ensures message clarity and appropriateness for complexity.

Question 29

What are formal network structures in organizations?

Answer 29

Established paths for communication, such as downward or upward channels.

Question 30

What is the role of feedback in the communication process?

Answer 30

Provides clarity and confirms message understanding.