Communication & Stakeholder Management Flashcards

A manager consistently uses email for all communications, including sensitive personnel matters. The MAIN risk of this approach is:

Answer: Loss of nuance, confidentiality risk, and reduced emotional connection

Sensitive matters require channels that allow for tone, empathy, and privacy, which email inherently lacks.

The 'grapevine' in organizational communication is BEST characterized as:

Answer: An informal, fast-moving network through which unofficial information spreads

The grapevine is the informal rumor network in organizations, which is fast and pervasive but often inaccurate.

Which of the following BEST demonstrates culturally competent communication in a multinational team?

Answer: Adapting communication style to account for cultural norms around hierarchy and directness

Culturally competent communication requires awareness of and adaptation to differences in directness, hierarchy, and context across cultures.

A manager who summarizes key decisions and action items at the end of every meeting is practicing which communication best practice?

Answer: Closing communication loops and reinforcing shared understanding

Summarizing at meeting close ensures all participants leave with aligned understanding and clear accountability for next steps.

In stakeholder management, 'managing expectations' primarily involves:

Answer: Establishing clear, realistic understandings of what will and will not be delivered

Setting realistic expectations upfront prevents stakeholder disappointment and reduces the likelihood of conflict later in the project.

The MOST effective way for a manager to build credibility with stakeholders over time is to:

Answer: Consistently deliver on commitments and communicate proactively about obstacles

Credibility is built through a track record of reliable follow-through and transparent communication, especially when things go wrong.

When a stakeholder raises an objection during a presentation, the BEST immediate response is to:

Answer: Acknowledge the concern, ask clarifying questions, and address it directly

Acknowledging and engaging with objections in the moment demonstrates respect and often converts skeptics into supporters.