Organizational Communication Flashcards
7 cards from real CMP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Organizational Communication flashcards as text
Which communication flow pattern describes messages moving from senior leadership down to frontline employees?
Answer: Downward communication
Downward communication flows from higher organizational levels to lower levels, such as directives and policies from leadership to employees.
An organization that relies heavily on informal networks and peer-to-peer information sharing is demonstrating which type of communication structure?
Answer: Grapevine communication
Grapevine communication refers to informal, unofficial networks through which information spreads among employees outside formal channels.
The concept of 'information overload' in organizational communication refers to:
Answer: Employees receiving more information than they can effectively process
Information overload occurs when individuals receive more information than they can absorb and act upon, reducing communication effectiveness.
Which organizational communication model emphasizes that meaning is co-created through ongoing dialogue rather than simply transmitted from sender to receiver?
Answer: Transactional model
The transactional model views communication as a simultaneous, two-way process where both parties are senders and receivers, co-creating meaning together.
A communication audit is best described as:
Answer: A systematic evaluation of an organization's communication practices, channels, and effectiveness
A communication audit systematically assesses an organization's communication systems, channels, messages, and outcomes to identify strengths and gaps.
Which barrier to organizational communication occurs when employees interpret messages through the lens of their personal experiences, culture, or role?
Answer: Perceptual filtering
Perceptual filtering means individuals screen and interpret incoming messages based on their own background, beliefs, and experiences, which can distort the intended meaning.
The communication concept of 'organizational silence' refers to:
Answer: Employees collectively withholding opinions, concerns, or ideas from management
Organizational silence describes a collective phenomenon where employees choose not to voice their concerns or ideas, often due to fear of negative consequences or belief that speaking up is futile.