Chapter 11 - Communicating in Organizations

Question 1

Organizations

Answer 1

The sett of interactions that members of purposeful groups use to accomplish their individual and common goals.

Question 2

Function

Answer 2

The goals and effects of communication.

Question 3

Production

Answer 3

A function of organizational communication in which activity is coordinated toward accomplishing tasks.

Question 4

Maintenance

Answer 4

A function of organizational communication in which the stability of existing systems in preserved.

Question 5

Innovation

Answer 5

A function of organizational communication by means of which systems are changed.

Question 6

Structure

Answer 6

Recurring patterns of interaction among organizational members.

Question 7

Downward Communication

Answer 7

In a traditional conduit model of communication, communication with subordinates.

Question 8

Upward Communication

Answer 8

In a traditional conduit model of communication, communication with superiors.

Question 9

Horizontal communication

Answer 9

In a traditional conduit model of communication, communication with peers.

Question 10

Hierarchy

Answer 10

A power structure in which some members exercise authority over others.

Question 11

Formal Structure

Answer 11

Officially designated channels of communication, reflecting explicit or desired patterns of communication.

Question 12

Informal Structure

Answer 12

Unspoken but understood channels of communication, reflecting patterns that develop spontaneously.

Question 13

Organizational Culture

Answer 13

A pattern of shared beliefs, values and behaviors.

Question 14

Assimilation

Answer 14

The communicative, behavioral, and cognitive processes that influence individuals to join, identify with, become integrated into, and (occasionally) exit an organization.

Question 15

Organizational Identification

Answer 15

The stage or assimilation that occurs when an employee’s values overlap with the organization’s values.

Question 16

Semantic-Information Distance

Answer 16

Describes the gap in information and understanding between supervisors and subordinates on specific views.

Question 17

Upward Distortion

Answer 17

Occurs when subordinates are hesitant to communicate negative news and present information to superiors in a more positive light than is warranted.

Question 18

Openness

Answer 18

A state in which communicators are willing to share their ideas as well as listen to others in a way that avoids conveying negative or disconfirming feedback.

Question 19

Supportiveness

Answer 19

Refers to supervisors who provide their subordinates with access to information and resources.

Question 20

Motivation

Answer 20

Feeling personally invested in accomplishing a specific activity or goal.

Question 21

Empowerment

Answer 21

Employee’s feelings of self-efficacy.

Question 22

Ingratiation

Answer 22

Behavior and communication designed to increase liking.

Question 23

Assertiveness

Answer 23

Expressing one’s opinions forcefully without offending others.

Question 24

Rationality

Answer 24

The ability to communicate through reasoning, bargaining, coalition building, and assertiveness.

Question 25

Burnout

Answer 25

A chronic condition that results from the accumulation of daily stress, which manifests itself in a very specific set of characteristics, including exhaustion, cynicism, and ineffectiveness.

Question 26

General Systems Theory

Answer 26

Theory that organizations are a system composed of many subsystems and embedded in larger systems, and that organizations should develop communication strategies that serve both.

Question 27

Globalization

Answer 27

The increasing connectedness of the world in economic, political, and cultural realms.

Question 28

New Social Contract

Answer 28

Assumes that loyalty is not expected by workers or organizations and that hob security is unlikely.

Question 29

Contingent Employees

Answer 29

Individuals who work in temporary positions, part-time or as subcontractors.

Question 30

Urgent Organizations

Answer 30

Companies that try to shorten the time it takes to develop new products and respond to customer demands.

Question 31

Bullying

Answer 31

Repeated hostile behaviors that are or are perceived to be intended to harm parties who are unable to defend themselves.

Question 32

Quid Pro Quo

Answer 32

Requests for sexual favors as a condition of getting or keeping a job or benefit; one of who types of sexual harassment recognized by federal law.

Question 33

Hostile Work Environment

Answer 33

An intimidating hostile, or offensive workplace atmosphere created by unwelcome and inappropriate sexually based behavior: one of two types of sexual harassment recognized by federal law.

Question 34

Strategy Control

Answer 34

Assessing the available information and options in order to increase one’s understanding of the conflict and the other party before engaging in conflict communication.