Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition

Page 1 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 1 preview image

Business CommunicationTodayFifteenth EditionCourtland L. BoveeJohn V. ThillTest Bank (Download only)for Business CommunicationTodayRevised by: Susan Schanne

Page 2 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 2 preview image

Page 3 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 3 preview image

1Business Communication Today, 15e(Bovee/Thill)Chapter 1Understanding the Foundations of Business Communications1) Communication is the process ofA) transferring information and meaning.B) listening actively.C) writing messages.D) speaking to others.E) providing data to benefit the speaker.Answer: AExplanation: A) Communication is a two-way process that begins with the sender and endswhen the receiver acquires information and meaning.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.1: Explain the importance ofeffective communication to your career and to thecompanies where you will work.Skill: ConceptAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Plan and prepare business messages2) Which of the following must occur for communication to be considered successful?A) The audience must be aware a message is being constructed.B) The message must be sent using more than one media method.C) It must transfer or negotiate understanding.D) The audience must agree with the goals of the message.E) Themessage must offer a benefit to both the sender and the receiver.Answer: CExplanation: C) Communication is the process of transferring information and meaning betweensenders and receivers, using a variety of media forms. Communication can happen in avariety ofways, but there must be a transfer of understanding for the communication to be successful.Understanding does not mean agreement.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.1: Explain the importance of effective communication to your career and to thecompanieswhere you will work.Skill: ApplicationAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications

Page 4 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 4 preview image

23) Which of the following developments is putting additional pressure on communication skills?A) Having great ideasB) The need for managers to connect with staff and external business partnersC) Connecting with those who have a similar backgroundD) Utilizing established company networksE) The changing nature of employmentAnswer: EExplanation: E) Ambition and great ideas aren't enough. You'll need to communicate with awide variety of people if you want to succeed in business. The changing nature of employment isputting new pressureon communication skills, too. Many companies nowsupplement theirpermanent workforces with independent contractors who are brought on for a short period oreven just a single project.Difficulty: EasyLO: 1.1: Explain the importance of effective communication to your career and to thecompanies whereyou will work.Skill: ConceptAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications4) Which of the following is one of the benefits ofstrong communication skills?A) More detailed strategic plansB) The ability to prevent stakeholders from switching to competitorsC) Stronger relationshipsD) Eliminating riskE) Fewer employee leaks of sensitive informationAnswer: CExplanation: C) Just as in personal and social relationships, business relationships depend oneffective connections between the company and all stakeholders, including employees,customers, and others affected by the company's business decisions. Communication helps tofoster emotional connections that create a healthy work environment.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.1: Explain the importance of effective communication to your career and to thecompanies where you will work.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Written and oralcommunicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications

Page 5 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 5 preview image

35) Which of the following is the term for all the parties affected by the actions of anorganization?A) EmployeesB) ManagersC) The networkD) StakeholdersE) The governmentAnswer: DExplanation: D)Stakeholders are those groups affected in some way by the company's actions:customers, employees, shareholders, suppliers, neighbors, the community, the nation, and theworld as a whole.Difficulty: EasyLO: 1.1: Explain the importance of effective communication to your career and to thecompanies where youwill work.Skill: ConceptAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications6) Which of the following can communicators do tomake sure they share facts rather than vagueimpressions?A) Provide optimistic informationB) Present information in a concise mannerC) Offer compelling arguments and recommendationsD) Identify areas of responsibilityE) Use concrete language with specific detailAnswer: EExplanation: E) Use concrete language, specific detail, and information that is clear, convincing,accurate, and ethical. Even when an opinion is called for, present compelling evidence to supportyour conclusion.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.1: Explain the importance of effective communication to your career and to thecompanies where you will work.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications

Page 6 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 6 preview image

47) Which of the following will help theaudience understand how they will benefit from yourmessage?A) Offering compelling arguments and recommendationsB) Clarifying expectations and responsibilitiesC) Presenting information in an efficient mannerD) Providing practical informationE) Givingvague impressionsAnswer: AExplanation: A) Show your readers precisely how they will benefit by responding the way youwant them to respond to your message. This is done by offering compelling, persuasivearguments and recommendations.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.1: Explain the importance of effective communication to your career and to thecompanies where you will work.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications8) Which of these is a reason why it's important to learn how to communicate efficiently?A) Efficientmessages are cheaper to transmit.B) Efficient messages don't need to convey as many facts.C) Concise messages don't need to be personalized.D) Short messages are easier to write.E) Concise messages show respect for people's time.Answer: EExplanation: E) To make your communication efforts as effective as possible, focus on makingthem practical, factual, concise, clear, and persuasive. Concise messages show respect forpeople's time, and they increase the chances of a positive response.Difficulty:ModerateLO: 1.1: Explain the importance of effective communication to your career and to thecompanies where you will work.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications9) Improving your communication skills may be the single mostimportant step you can take inyour career.Answer: TRUEExplanation: The world is full of good marketing strategists, good accountants, good engineers,and good attorneys—but it is not full of good communicators. Strong communication skills willhelp you stand out from your competition in the job market.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.1: Explain the importance of effective communication to your career and to thecompanies where you will work.Skill: ConceptAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearningOutcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications

Page 7 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 7 preview image

510) Senior executives spend less and less of their workday communicating as they take on moreleadership responsibility.Answer: FALSEExplanation: If you launch a company or move into an executive role in an existingorganization, you can expect communication to consume the majority of your time. Topexecutives spend most of their workdays communicating, and businesspeople who can'tcommunicate well don't stand much chance of reaching the top.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.1: Explain the importance of effective communication to your career and to thecompanies where you will work.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications11) Strong communication skills are important even for employees with technical skills, such asengineers and accountants.Answer: TRUEExplanation: In fields such as engineering or finance, you often needto share complex ideaswith executives, customers, and colleagues, and yourability to connect with people outside yourfield can be as important as your technical expertise.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.1: Explain the importance of effective communication to your career and to thecompanies where you will work.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications12) Describe five characteristics of effectivebusiness messages.Answer: Effective business messages provide practical information that immediately helpsreceivers in concrete ways. Such messages present facts rather than vague impressions,communicate efficiently and concisely, and clarify expectations and responsibilities.. Finally,effective business messages offer compelling, persuasive arguments and recommendations.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.1: Explain the importance of effective communication to your career and to thecompanies where you willwork.Skill: ConceptAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Plan and prepare business messages

Page 8 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 8 preview image

613) The quality of performing at a high level and conducting oneself with pride and purpose isknown asA) expediency.B) professionalism.C) entrepreneurialism.D) management.E) personality.Answer: BExplanation: B) Professionalism is the quality of performing at a high level and conductingoneself with purpose and pride.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: ConceptAACSB: Reflective thinkingLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications14) Understanding people's feelings and managing your own feelings in a productiveway isreferred to asA) common sense.B) professionalism.C) distraction.D) emotional intelligence.E) compatibility.Answer: DExplanation: D) Relating to the needs of others is a key part of emotional intelligence, which isthe ability to read other people's emotions accurately and to manage one's own emotions inproductive ways. The more you know about your audience, the easier it will be to focus on theirneeds, which will make it easier for them to hear and respond positively to your message.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicateas a professional in a business context.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Interpersonal relations and teamworkLearning Outcome: Describe the opportunities and challenges of communicatingin a diverseworld

Page 9 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 9 preview image

715) All elements of professionalism depend onA) using effective communication skills.B) developing strong recommendations.C) having clear expectations of the job.D) pursuing practical skills.E) providing only fact-based information.Answer: AExplanation: A) Professionalism can be broken down into six distinct traits: striving to excel,being dependable and accountable, being a team player, demonstrating a sense of etiquette,making ethical decisions, and maintaining a positiveoutlook. The key aspect of these elementsof professionalism depends on effective communication.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: ConceptAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearningOutcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications16) Which of the following encompasses all communication that occurs outside the lines ofcommand in the company's organization structure?A) The lateral communication networkB) Adiagonal communication networkC) The informal communication networkD) A horizontal communication networkE) The audience-centered communication networkAnswer: CExplanation: C) Informal communication takes place naturally when employees interact, bothon the job and in social settings. Some of it takes place when the formal network doesn't provideinformation that employees want. The informal communication network is located whereverworkers congregate, which could be hallways, drinking fountains, orlunchrooms. Informalcommunication also takes place on telephones and through email and social networks.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Writtenand oral communicationLearning Outcome: Plan and prepare business messages

Page 10 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 10 preview image

817) Which of the following is the ability to evaluate evidence completely and use that evidenceto form a logical conclusion?A) ProfessionalismB) Audience-centered approachC) Critical thinkingD) Digital information fluencyE) EthicsAnswer: CExplanation: C) Critical thinking is the ability to evaluate evidence completely and objectivelyin order to form logical conclusions and make sound recommendationsDifficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications18) What communication network is being followed when ideas follow the lines of command inan organization?A) HorizontalB) InformalC) CriticalD) FormalE) DiagonalAnswer: DExplanation: D) Every organization has a formal communication network, inwhich ideas andinformation flow along the lines of command (the hierarchical levels) in the company'sorganization structure.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB:Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications

Page 11 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 11 preview image

919) An audience-centered approach to communication involvesA) saying whatever it takes to win over the members of your audience.B) embedding a layer of technology between you and your audience members.C) respecting, understanding, and meeting the needs of your audience members.D) focusing on how the members of the audience can help you obtain your goals.E) preparing a message as if the audience will not be interested.Answer: CExplanation: C) Use an audience-centered approach to help you understand and respect themembers ofyour audience, and then make every effort to get your message across in a way that'smeaningful to them.Difficulty: DifficultLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: ConceptAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications20) How does information flow between departments when people are trying to coordinate tasksor solve complex organizational problems?A) UpwardlyB) DiagonallyC) InformallyD) VerticallyE) HorizontallyAnswer: EExplanation: E) Horizontal communication flows between departments to help employees shareinformation, coordinate tasks, and solve complex problems.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain whatit means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: ConceptAACSB: Writtenand oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications

Page 12 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 12 preview image

1021) Which of the following can best be described as recognizing information needs, locating andevaluating reliable sources of information, organizing information into cohesive messages, andusing information ethically?A) Formal communicationB) Workplace proficiencyC) Digital information fluencyD) Positive work relationshipsE) Social communication modelsAnswer: CExplanation: C) Employers expect you to be able to recognize information needs, locate andevaluate reliable sources of information, organize information into cohesive messages, and useinformation ethically, often referred to as digital information fluency.Difficulty: DifficultLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: SynthesisAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications22) Which of the followingis the term for a combination of skills that includes social skills andthe ability to relate to the needs of others?A) EtiquetteB) Emotional intelligenceC) Informal communicationsD) Formal communicationsE) Critical thinkingAnswer: BExplanation:B) This ability to read other people's emotions accurately and to manage one's ownemotions in productive ways is called emotional intelligence. The ability to relate to the needs ofothers is a key part of emotional intelligence and is widely considered to be a vital characteristicof successful managers and leaders.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: ConceptAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discussthe challenges and importance of business communications

Page 13 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 13 preview image

1123) How can communicators ensure they are using an audience-centered approach to theircommunication?A) Incorporate a strong sense of etiquetteB) Send the message through several communication channelsC) Develop the message in a way that is meaningful to the audienceD) Provide instructions to the audience on how to decode the messageE) Create communication barriers for all information other than that which you are conveyingAnswer: CExplanation: C) An audience-centered approach involves understanding and respecting themembers of your audience and making every effort to get your message across in a way that ismeaningful to them.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: CriticalThinkingAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications24) In the formal communication network, what type of communication path is used wheninformation flows from leadership toemployees?A) UpwardB) HorizontalC) VerticalD) DownwardE) MultidirectionalAnswer: DExplanation: D) Downward communication flows from executives to employees, conveyingexecutive decisions and providing information that helps employees do their jobs.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications

Page 14 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 14 preview image

1225) Which of the following is one way employees can practice the "you" attitude in theircommunication efforts?A) Explain their educational background and expertiseB) Include a greatamount of detailed background informationC) Avoid digital forms of a message whenever possibleD) Assume the audience has a high degree of emotional intelligenceE) Learn as much as possible about the audience's biases and styleAnswer: EExplanation:E) When adopting the "you" attitude, learn as much as possible about the biases,education, age, status, style, and personal and professional concerns of your receivers. If you'readdressing people you don't know and you're unable to find outmore about them, try to projectyourself into their position by using common sense and imagination.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Written andoral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications26) Which of the following is a vital element of audience-centered communication?A) Professional etiquetteB) BiasC) Emotional intelligenceD) The "you" attitudeE) EthicsAnswer: AExplanation: A) A vital element of audience-centered communication is etiquette, the expectednorms of polite behavior in any particular situation.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as aprofessionalin a business context.Skill: ApplicationAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications27) Which of the following is an expected behavior on the job?A) Using text messaging whenever possibleB) Communicating ethicallyC) Saving time by limiting research sourcesD) Ensuring others are listening to what you have to sayE) Using text language and shortened forms of grammar and spelling whenever possibleAnswer: BExplanation: B)Communicating ethically, even when choices aren't crystal clear or you have toshare news that people don't want to hear, is expected of all employees.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications

Page 15 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 15 preview image

1328) Which of these skills is used to evaluate evidence completely and objectively in order tomakesound recommendations?A) Decoding skillsB) ProfessionalismC) Critical thinkingD) Persuasive argumentsE) A formal communication networkAnswer: CExplanation: C) Criticalthinking is the ability to evaluate evidence completely and objectivelyin order to form logical conclusions and make sound recommendations.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome:Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications29) Adopting the "you" attitude is part of developing an audience-centered approach tocommunication.Answer:TRUEExplanation: An audience-centered approach involves understanding and respecting themembers of your audience and making every effort to get your message across in a way that ismeaningful to them. This approach is also known as adopting the "you" attitude, in contrast tomessages that are about "me."Difficulty: ModerateLO:1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: ApplicationAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications30) Critical thinking includes using time management skills and accepted standards of textingand instant messaging language.Answer: FALSEExplanation: Critical thinking is the ability to evaluate evidence completely and objectively inorder to form logical conclusions and make sound recommendations.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance ofbusiness communications

Page 16 of 16

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 16 preview image

1431) Why is communication important to professionalism?Answer: Professionalism is the quality of performing at a high level with purpose and pride.Professionals do more than put in the hours and collect a paycheck; instead, theygo beyondminimum expectations and commit to making meaningful contributions. Without strongcommunication skills, you won't be able to perform to your potential and others won't recognizeyou as the professional you aspire to be.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: ConceptAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications32)Discuss professionalism and explain the six distinct traits of a professional.Answer: Professionalism is the quality of performing at a high level and conducting oneself withpurpose and pride. It means doing more than putting in the hours and collecting a paycheck: Trueprofessionals go beyond minimum expectations and commit to making meaningful contributions.Professionalism can be broken down into six distinct traits: striving to excel, being dependableand accountable, being a team player, demonstrating a sense of etiquette, making ethicaldecisions, and maintaining a positive outlook.Difficulty: DifficultLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: SynthesisAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discussthe challenges and importance of business communications33) Discuss the range of communication tasks that employers expect you to be competent at.Answer: Today's employers expect you to be competent at a range of communication tasks thatreflect the value of communication. First, employers expect you to be able to acquire, process,and share information based on the information needs of the audience, and use that informationethically. Second, employers expect you to use communication to foster positiveworkingrelationships by practicing listening, etiquette, respectful conflict resolution, and communicationwith those of diverse backgrounds. Third, employers expect you to act responsibly andprofessionally on social media andother public venues, and to follow accepted standards ofgrammar, spelling and quality in writing and speaking. Fourth, employers expect efficiency inusing tools they provide.Difficulty: ModerateLO: 1.2: Explain what it means to communicate as a professional in a business context.Skill: Critical ThinkingAACSB: Written and oral communicationLearning Outcome: Discuss the challenges and importance of business communications

Preview Mode

This document has 828 pages. Sign in to access the full document!

Report

Learning Tools

Writing Tools

Browse Resources

Test Bank for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition - Page 1

Study Now!

Document Details

Related Documents

Business Communication Today 11th Edition Test Bank

Class Notes for Business Communication Today, 14th Edition

Lecture Notes for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition

CIS 337 Unit 7 Assignment Final Project Part IV Pr

Analysis of Leadership in Monster Inc

Evaluation of Alphabet's Mission, Vision, and 8-29

Boundless Management

Uncovering the Martha Stewart Tax Scandal Insider

Boundless Business

JetBlue Airlines Case Analysis

Company

Explore

Study Tools