Exam 9: Professional Relationships

The accuracy of information can be reduced by up to 20 percent every time a message passes through a different level of hierarchy in an organization.

Before ending an interview, interviewers often ask if you have additional questions. All of the following are appropriate questions except:

"Which religious holidays will you take off from work?" is an inappropriate job interview question.

In a survey of office workers, more than 90 percent of employees admitted to engaging in gossip. The study also revealed that after learning information about a colleague intended to be secret, __________ percent of employees revealed the coworker's secret to at least two other employees that same day.

Whereas gossip involves an unverified story or statement about the facts of a situation, rumors focus on the private, personal, or even scandalous affairs of others.

An appraisal interview is conducted to evaluate an employee's job performance.

During an exit interview, you should tell the personnel officer the absolute truth about your reasons for leaving and share your negative opinions and complaints about coworkers and superiors.

Unfortunately, your best friend has just lost his/her job. Using the checklist for coping with job loss as a guide (be proactive, use your communication skills, and craft a persuasive message), write a letter to your friend recommending five things he/she can do to cope with the job loss.

A good relationship with a boss is the primary source of most job satisfaction.

If, during a job interview, someone asks you to describe your weaknesses, you should

Your textbook discusses some of the tensions or strains that occur when friendship and work relationships collide. Describe three of these strains and how they affect workplace productivity and employee satisfaction.

In a study by Northwestern University, 153 companies were asked why they rejected job applicants. Of the 50 reasons identified, almost half were related to

What are the positive and negative effects of gossip in the workplace?

Your textbook suggests six criteria for a satisfying coworker relationship. Which criterion answers this question: Do we treat each other with respect?

Public expressions of close friendship with a colleague at work usually enhance productivity and the quality of work performance.

"What, in your opinion, are the most significant challenges facing this industry over the next five years?" is an example of an open-ended question.

"Are you able to work on weekends?" is an example of a hypothetical question in a job interview.

In his book, Dealing with Difficult People, Hal Plotkin recommends a six-step approach to providing feedback to such people and to helping them realize their full potential. Which of the recommendations does Plotkin identify as the first step?

An effective disciplinary interview should focus on punishing an employee for problematic or unethical behavior.

Explain Organizational Culture Theory by providing a definition, as well as addressing organizational subculture. Demonstrate your understanding of the theory by providing relevant examples.