Organizational Communication Flashcards
6 cards from real CAP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Organizational Communication flashcards as text
What is 'downward communication' in an organizational context?
Answer: Communication that flows from higher levels of the organization to lower levels, such as directives from management to staff
Downward communication refers to information flowing from management or leadership down to employees, typically conveying policies, procedures, goals, assignments, and performance feedback.
Which of the following best describes an 'informal communication network' in an organization?
Answer: The unofficial flow of information through personal relationships and social interactions, commonly called the 'grapevine'
The informal communication network, or 'grapevine,' consists of unofficial information flows through social relationships. It can spread information rapidly but may also transmit inaccurate rumors.
Which listening technique involves paraphrasing the speaker's message back to them to confirm understanding?
Answer: Reflective or active listening
Reflective (active) listening involves paraphrasing or summarizing what the speaker said to confirm understanding, demonstrate engagement, and give the speaker an opportunity to clarify if needed.
What is the main risk of using overly technical jargon in organizational communications directed at a general employee audience?
Answer: It creates communication barriers by excluding employees who are unfamiliar with specialized terminology, leading to misunderstanding or disengagement
Technical jargon excludes readers who lack specialized vocabulary, causing confusion, misinterpretation, and disengagement — undermining the communication's purpose.
Which of the following is an example of 'upward communication' in an organization?
Answer: An employee submitting a suggestion form or reporting an issue to their supervisor
Upward communication flows from employees to management — examples include feedback, suggestions, progress reports, and problem notifications that move up the organizational hierarchy.
When writing a formal business report for senior leadership, which structural element should appear first?
Answer: Executive summary
An executive summary appears first in a formal business report because senior leaders need a concise overview of findings and recommendations before deciding whether to read the full document.