Bcom Test 1 Quizzes – Flashcards
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At the U.S. division of Bluebell Inc. the productivity of the employees is going down. Kinsey, the branch manager conducts thorough research and learns that most of the employees were involved in social loafing. If he wants to use the deductive approach, how should Kinsey structure his report to senior management? a) state the primary message; give the call to action; lay out the supporting reasons b) start with a call to action; lay out the supporting reasons; conclude with the primary message c) lay out the supporting reasons in careful order; state the primary message d) start with a call to action; state the primary message; lay out the supporting reasons e) state the primary message; lay out supporting reasons; conclude with a call to action
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e) state the primary message; lay out supporting reasons; conclude with a call to action
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What is the definition of business ethics? a) the ability to seize business opportunities when they present themselves b) the extent to which employees care for the needs of the company c) communication patterns that are me-oriented, not we-oriented d) the skills needed to solve and overcome business problem. e) commonly held principles in the business community for acceptable behavior
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e) commonly held principles in the business community for acceptable behavior
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In low-trust relationships, people tend to: a) be more willing to cooperate with each other. b) assume credibility easily. c) regard the actions of other people negatively. d) expend extra effort toward meeting team goals. e) communicate more efficiently.
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c) regard the actions of other people negatively.
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_____ refers to the knowledge and skills needed to accomplish business tasks, approach business problems, and get a job done. a) character b) competence c) transparency d) accountability e) power
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b) competence
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Which action demonstrates that Joaquin acts with transparency? a) He shares all relevant information with stakeholders. b) He shares his company's trade secrets with its competitors. c) He keeps conversations with stakeholders confidential. d) He accepts gifts... and gratuities from clients e) He considers himself accountable only to himself.
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a) He shares all relevant information with stakeholders.
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Which of the following is true of credibility? a) It is an important basis for effective communication. b) Its importance in the post-trust era has decreased. c) It has no relationship to transparency and accountability. d) People gain credibility more easily than they lose it. e) Neither words nor actions can damage a reputation for credibility.
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a) It is an important basis for effective communication.
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Corporate values are: a) laws imposed by the government on corporations. b) self-formulated values that individuals adhere to. c) personal values practiced only in the workplace. d) unwritten rules by which an industry works. e) the stated and lived values of a company
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e) the stated and lived values of a company
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_____ refers to a reputation for adhering to high moral and ethical values. a) community b) accountability c) transparency d) competence e) character
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e) character
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Which of the following factors reduces the incidence of unethical behavior? a) opposing personal and corporate values b) a transparent atmosphere c) a closed communication structure d) the subjective interpretation of business values
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b) a transparent atmosphere
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In the business world, caring can be demonstrated by a) considering the needs of customers and employees. b) recognizing and acting on business opportunities. c) emphasizing the results of decisions and actions. d) focusing mainly on the tasks that need to be done. e) sharing relevant information with stakeholders.
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a) considering the needs of customers and employees.
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The rules of conduct or moral principles that guide individual or group behavior are known as a) Values. b) Ethics. c) Accountability. d) character. e) Transparency.
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b) Ethics.
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The dominant business ethic in corporate communications is _____, which is "a principle that allows those affected by administrative decisions, business transactions, or charitable work to know not only the basic facts and figures but also the mechanisms and processes. It is the duty of civil servants, managers, and trustees to act visibly, predictably and understandably." a) caring b) transparency c) competence d) hierarchy e) expertise
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b) transparency
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Jerry, the CEO of Turbo Inc., is a successful business leader with a reputation for caring. Which of the following statements would prove this? a) He believes he is accountable to nobody but himself. b) He strives to understand the interests and aspirations of his employees. c) He prioritizes the development of his company over the well-being of his team. d) His communication style is me-oriented, not we-oriented. e) His leadership style is result-oriented and not relationship-oriented
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b) He strives to understand the interests and aspirations of his employees.
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What is the process of interpreting messages from others into meaning? a) encoding b) feedback c) decoding d) noise e) receiver
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c) decoding
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The FAIR (Facts, Access, Impacts, Respect) test is intended to evaluate a) the credibility of your business communication. b) the profits made by your company's investors. c) the contemporary relevance of your business's ethics. d) the financial state of your company. e) the relationship between stakeholders of different companies.
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a) the credibility of your business communication.
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Which of the following is a solution-oriented question? a) Is your suggestion consistent with our goal to reduce our overall budget? b) How can we reduce our expenses for office supplies to meet our budget goals c) In what way do you think our shipping practices contribute to our high expenses? d) Now that we know we want to reduce the company budget, what subcategories should we consider? e) What did you learn in the meeting you had with our colleagues in Baltimore last week?
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b) How can we reduce our expenses for office supplies to meet our budget goals
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Which of the following factors reduces the incidence of unethical behavior? a) a transparent atmosphere b) the subjective interpretation of business values c) a closed communication structure d) opposing personal and corporate values e) unaccountable business leaders
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a) a transparent atmosphere
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In tense and emotionally charged situations, it is important to a) ask cross-examination questions. b) maintain your point of view. c) speak loudly and assertively. d) be uncompromising. e) hold judgment
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e) hold judgment
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A business leader can cultivate a sense of community by a) developing new strategies to sell different products to different markets. b) prioritizing the development of his company at the expense of his employees. c) having a communication style that is we-oriented, not me-oriented. d) encouraging employees to work as individuals rather than as a team. e) refusing to give in to pressure by the stakeholders.
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c) having a communication style that is we-oriented, not me-oriented.
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When you are trying to read another person's nonverbal clues, which of the following should you focus on the most? a) the nose b) the feet c) the neck d) the eyes e) the chin
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d) the eyes
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What are probing questions? a) Probing questions break the ice and gradually ease people into conversations about shared business interests. b) Probing questions focus on what should be done to solve business problems and accomplish business objectives. c) Probing questions are intended to analyze a business problem from every angle in order to uncover its root causes. d) Probing questions move from general to specific and are intended to increasingly deconstruct a business issue. e) Probing questions are narrow-ended questions that are actually opinions presented in question form.
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c) Probing questions are intended to analyze a business problem from every angle in order to uncover its root causes.
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Frank is having difficulty hearing the point his coworker is making because of loud hammering outside the window. What type of noise is Frank experiencing? a) psychological b) cognitive c) physical d) semantic e) physiological
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c) physical
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Which of the following is most likely to be true about the people who exhibit high self-management? a) They spend a higher percentage of work conversations on work-related topics. b) They are unable to control their emotional impulses. c) They react defensively and with a me-first attitude when threats are perceived. d) They show a sincere interest in others' efforts, ideas, and successes. e) They frequently vent frustrations without a constructive work purpose
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a) They spend a higher percentage of work conversations on work-related topics.
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Which of the following is a sign of a person paying attention? a) a cursory glance accompanied by a smile b) a deep breath to relax oneself c) a closed body position d) a slouched and relaxed position e) a nod to indicate acknowledgement
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e) a nod to indicate acknowledgement
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In the interpersonal communication process, the messages exchanged are a) simultaneous and exclusionary. b) simultaneous and mutual. c) sequential and mutual. d) sequential and individual. e) simultaneous and individual.
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b) simultaneous and mutual.
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What term is used for events that cause strong, often negative, emotional responses? a) messages b) triggers c) stress d) noise e) hijacking
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b) triggers
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Why does emotional hijacking occur? a) People experience a great deal of physiological noise that interferes with reasoning. b) People spend too much time developing self-awareness, so they become overly emotional. c) People are hard-wired to feel emotions about a situation before they reason it out. d) People deliberately use their emotions to manipulate the reactions of others. e) People have a high emotional intelligence, which makes them less emotional.
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c) People are hard-wired to feel emotions about a situation before they reason it out.
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What is sight-reading? a) understanding and managing emotions to serve goals b) intelligent observation of nonverbal communication c) the discipline to hold off emotions to meet long-term intentions d) understanding your emotions as they occur and how they affect you e) the process of interpreting messages from others into meaning
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b) intelligent observation of nonverbal communication
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Matt and LaRita grew up in communities that view authority in very different ways, so they have difficulty understanding each other at times. The problem is being caused primarily because of a) emotional hijacking. b) differences in emotional intelligence. c) a filter of lifetime experiences. d) differences in self-awareness. e) psychological noise.
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c) a filter of lifetime experiences.
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Which of the following is characteristic of learner mind-sets? a) displaying an unwillingness to hear other people's point of view b) working by a firm set of rules and guidelines c) viewing differences of opinion as normal d) agreeing with everything you hear e) ascribing negative traits to people with opposing views
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c) viewing differences of opinion as normal
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In all business messages, communicators should ideally aim to a) exaggerate facts appropriately. b) use the I-voice. c) project concern for others. d) slant facts to their benefit. e) effectively use either/or arguments.
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c) project concern for others.
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People who speak out constructively about differences of opinion are most likely to have a) high self-awareness. b) low self-management skills. c) low empathy. d) low self-awareness. e) high relationship management skills.
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e) high relationship management skills.
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While examining the pros and cons of introducing a stress-busting yoga program for the employees of Hillock Inc., Juanita learns that the pros far outnumber the cons and decides to recommend implementation of the yoga program. Which of the following statements is most likely to increase the positivity of her proposition? a) I would like to present my argument for why we should continue with the yoga program initiative. b) The yoga program would increase the expenditure of the company. c) Employees will need to spend additional time in the office due to the yoga program. d) Let me know if you want me to keep working on the implementation plan. e) The yoga program would increase the efficiency of the employees
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e) The yoga program would increase the efficiency of the employees
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_____ are statements that can be relied on with a fair amount of certainty and can be observed objectively. a) Principles b) Facts c) Conclusions d) Values e) Priorities
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b) Facts
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Which of the following is typically included in the reviewing stage of writing an effective business message? a) setting a positive and other-oriented tone b) removing distractions from the message c) giving importance to the I-voice d) finding the needs of the audience e) identifying the primary message and key points
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b) removing distractions from the message
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Which of the following is typically included in the planning stage of writing an effective business message? a) removing distractions from the message b) making the message easy to read c) generating the best ideas to address a business issue d) considering whether the message is effective e) setting a positive and other-oriented tone
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c) generating the best ideas to address a business issue
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Which of the following should ideally be one of the goals of a business communicator? a) to focus on the negative traits of products in the message b) to avoid the use of the we-voice c) to express the message in a way that respects others d) to exaggerate facts appropriately in the message e) to slant facts to gain as much benefit as possible
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c) to express the message in a way that respects others
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To help business writers make their messages easier to read, they should a) use many buzzwords. b) use short sentences. c) use the passive voice. d) not use parallel language. e) avoid using action verbs.
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b) use short sentences.
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What is the most likely impact of slanting facts? a) It eliminates the possibility of using the deductive approach for business messages. b) It discourages the use of either/or logic. c) It eliminates the possibility of using the inductive approach for business messages. d) It restricts the scope for using the me-first attitude. e) It reduces the credibility of a business message.
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e) It reduces the credibility of a business message.
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In the course of creating an effective business message, excellent business thinkers are most likely to a) encourage one-way linear thinking. b) gather information from a single strong source. c) be rigid in their approach to business problems. d) identify and articulate key questions and problems. e) avoid using the other-oriented tone
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d) identify and articulate key questions and problems.
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Daniel has to prepare a report outlining the reasons why his company is going to shut down two factories in the United States. How will Daniel structure the report if he wants to use the inductive method? a) start with a call to action; lay out the supporting reasons; conclude with the primary message b) start with a call to action; state the primary message; lay out the supporting reasons c) state the primary message; give the call to action; lay out the supporting reasons d) state the primary message; lay out supporting reasons; conclude with a call to action e) lay out the supporting reasons in careful order; state the primary message
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e) lay out the supporting reasons in careful order; state the primary message
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To ensure the completeness of a business message, one should a) provide extra details. b) write at length. c) be specific. d) use flowery language. e) repeat facts.
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c) be specific.
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Which of the following techniques is most likely to make business messages more positive? a) using either/or logic b) avoiding the use of generalizations c) exaggerating facts d) using the inductive approach e) displaying a confident attitude
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e) displaying a confident attitude
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Which of the following is most likely to be true about excellent business writers? a) They ensure that the facts presented in the message are slanted. b) They spend more time creating the draft than planning it. c) They spend a significant amount of time reviewing their work. d) They avoid using an other-oriented tone. e) They avoid wasting time planning and begin drafting right away.
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c) They spend a significant amount of time reviewing their work.
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Improving ease of reading with natural style requires that the writer a) avoid using action verbs. b) avoid using active voice. c) use lots of buzzwords. d) avoid using parallel language. e) use short and familiar words.
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e) use short and familiar words.
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In order to make business messages more positive, writers should focus on actions they can accomplish and demonstrate a realistic optimism. However, they should be careful a) not to use strong analogies. b) not to exaggerate facts. c) to avoid supported generalizations. d) to avoid diplomatic terms. e) not to use the other-oriented voice.
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b) not to exaggerate facts.
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When writers use long paragraphs in business messages, it a) conveys how knowledgeable the writer is. b) helps improve the accuracy of business messages. c) has little impact on the reader of business messages. d) shows disrespect for the reader's time. e) reassures the reader that the information is complete.
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d) shows disrespect for the reader's time.
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Which of the following is most likely to have a negative impact on your readers' perceptions of your credibility a) being too exact b) being vague c) avoiding redundancy d) using short sentences e) being concise
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b) being vague
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The use of uncommon words in a business message is most likely to a) make it more difficult for readers to interpret the message. b) increase the other-orientation of the message. c) ensure that you do not sound arrogant. d) increase the specificity of the message. e) help you appear creative and intelligent
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a) make it more difficult for readers to interpret the message.
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Writers of business messages should avoid sentences that begin with "it is" or "there are" because they a) contain more words than necessary. b) require a specific subject. c) involve the use of action verbs. d) are not flexible enough to allow slanting of facts. e) contain nonliteral meanings.
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a) contain more words than necessary.
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Which of the following is the effect of using active voice while writing business messages? a) It diverts the attention from the subject so that the writer does not sound bossy. b) It emphasizes the business orientation of action. c) It decreases accuracy by emphasizing action rather than facts. d) It confuses the reader by emphasizing the object of action. e) It allows for slanting of facts, which increases the credibility of the message.
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b) It emphasizes the business orientation of action.
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The use of familiar words in business messages is most likely to a) help the writers to avoid prepositional phrases. b) make the message more concise. c) help the readers to process the information easily. d) decrease the accuracy of the message. e) decrease the specificity of the message
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c) help the readers to process the information easily.
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The less specific you are while writing your business messages, the greater the possibility that your readers will a) read your message more carefully. b) be assured of your credibility. c) scan and skim your message. d) focus on the main message. e) be assured that you are not hiding facts.
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c) scan and skim your message.
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Which guideline for navigational design is most likely to improve the ease of reading for business messages? a) Avoid headings. b) Use white space appropriately. c) Use several different fonts. d) Avoid bulleted lists. e) Avoid numbered lists.
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b) Use white space appropriately.
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People are most likely to process the information in a message quickly when writers a) exaggerate the facts. b) avoid parallel language. c) use the passive voice. d) use a lot of buzzwords. e) use action verbs.
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e) use action verbs.
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Which of the following steps typically belongs to the reviewing process? a) determining the key points b) proofreading the document c) analyzing the audience d) conducting market research e) identifying the primary message
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b) proofreading the document
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Tulip has been asked to create an effective business message aimed at making the employees understand the benefits of working in a group. In the process of creating the business message, she studies the background of the employees and their needs and priorities. This action belongs to which step of the AIM planning process used for developing influential messages? a) idea analysis b) audience analysis c) message review d) idea development e) message structuring
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b) audience analysis
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Which of the following statements about business messages is true? a) Slanting, or presenting only those facts that are favorable to your position, is important because it increases the credibility of a business message. b) Using parallel language should be avoided as it can distract the readers from your main message. c) Providing required information is essential because not providing enough information can leave your reader wondering how to respond. d) Emphasizing the drawbacks of the products and services rather than the advantages improves the effectiveness of the message. e) Providing as much information as you can should be your primary aim when writing a business message because readers can never have too much information.
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c) Providing required information is essential because not providing enough information can leave your reader wondering how to respond.
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Which of the following statements about navigational designs will help improve the ease of reading? a) Avoid formatting features that distract readers from the main message. b) Documents with too much white space look cluttered. c) Do not use headings in information-rich and complex messages. d) Consider visual appeal first for all written business communications. e) Readers are likely to be distracted by bullets and numbered lists.
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a) Avoid formatting features that distract readers from the main message.
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Javier and Carol have never worked together before. When they exchange texts about setting up a time to discuss a mutual project, Javier texts, "I look forward to the meeting." Carol replies, "Gr8. TTYL." What would you suggest to make their communication go more smoothly? a) Javier should confront Carol and insist that she write more formally. b) Carol should confront Javier and insist that he write more informally. c) They don't need to change anything at this point. d) Both Javier and Carol should adjust their style to be more like each other's. e) They should stop texting and write emails instead.
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d) Both Javier and Carol should adjust their style to be more like each other's.
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Which statement about texting is correct? a) Texting is a channel that requires a lot of coordination and resources. b) Texting is rich in nonverbal cues because of the use of emoticons. c) Texting is a relatively painless way to deliver bad news. d) Texting is almost always asynchronous. e) Texting is either synchronous or asynchronous, depending on how is it used.
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e) Texting is either synchronous or asynchronous, depending on how is it used.
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Which of the following is most likely to be included as an attachment to an email? a) a subject line b) a signature block c) the body of the message d) a spreadsheet e) a list of the recipients
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d) a spreadsheet
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Which statement correctly describes the current state of texting in the workplace? a) Texting is a new, undeveloped form of communication in the workplace, and attitudes toward it vary significantly. b) Texting is a new, undeveloped form of communication in the workplace, and attitudes toward it are consistent. c) Texting is an established form of communicating in the workplace, and everyone agrees it should be informal. d) Texting is an established form of communicating in the workplace, and everyone agrees it should be formal. e) Texting is an established form of communicating in the workplace, and attitudes toward it vary significantly.
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a) Texting is a new, undeveloped form of communication in the workplace, and attitudes toward it vary significantly.
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Which of the following guidelines should be followed to minimize e-interruptions? a) Reply to all the messages immediately. b) Turn on message alerts. c) Avoid the use of automatic messages. d) Avoid unnecessarily lengthening an email chain. e) Check digital messages after every 10 minutes.
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d) Avoid unnecessarily lengthening an email chain.
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Ella and Pasha work for the same company in two different locations. They need to quickly discuss and clarify issues related to a mutual project. Which of the following should they use? a) email b) phone conversations c) texting d) blogs e) social networking
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b) phone conversations
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Rita, the head of the sales department, wants to train all of her sales people in how to sell the latest product. She wants them all to be able to see the product and its features, to hear the sales pitch the marketing department has developed, and to ask questions. Which of the following is the best communication channel for Rita to use? a) social networking b) a blog c) a webinar d) texting e) a phone conversation
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c) a webinar
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Which of the following communication channels is low in richness but high in control? a) spoken communication b) conference calls c) phone conversations d) webinars e) email
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e) email
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The first thing you should do on a business call is to a) announce your agenda. b) start discussing your first action item. c) greet the other person warmly by name. d) set a timer to keep the call from going too long. e) spend at least five minutes on social chat.
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c) greet the other person warmly by name.
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Which of the following is an advantage of using phone conversations as a communication channel? a) They are the best method for communication among a large group. b) They increase people's ability to plan and strategically develop messages. c) They are better for building relationships than more recent technologies such as email. d) They have more permanence than most other communication channels. e) They give people access to more cues than videoconferencing does.
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c) They are better for building relationships than more recent technologies such as email.
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The team that is planning the annual company sales meeting has members in several offices. They need to have a conversation about the agenda for the sales meeting. Which of the following will they most likely use? a) email b) social networking c) a conference call d) blog posts e) texting
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c) a conference call
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The ______ effect means that recipients are more likely to perceive messages that are intended as neutral as negative. a) positivity b) defusing c) emotional d) neutrality e) negativity
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e) negativity
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Which of the following involves an act or thought process committed by the sender rather than the receiver of an email? a) negativity effect b) neutrality effect c) reinterpretation d) flames e) cyber silence
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d) flames
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The heavy volume of digital messages received on a daily basis makes it necessary for business professionals to perform the delicate task of balancing the a) time they spend reading messages with the time they spend writing messages. b) need to answer emails with the need to answer texts. c) need to respond to others with the need to write more emails d) need to respond to others with their own need to focus on work. e) time they spend in spoken conversation with the time they spend on work.
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d) need to respond to others with their own need to focus on work.
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In an email, the most critical information should be placed a) in a post script after the signature block b) as close to the signature block as possible. c) in the subject line. d) in an attachment. e) at the beginning of a message.
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e) at the beginning of a message.
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Which of the following is most likely to lower a person's credibility? a) use of strong analogies b) exaggeration of facts c) refusal to slant facts d) use of the other-oriented tone e) desire to take on more responsibility
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b) exaggeration of facts
