Organizational Communication — Unit test Answers

Recently, a classmate and I disagreed about how to divide the work for a group project. I initially used a competing style because I insisted that my plan was the fairest, while my classmate avoided the conflict and did not explain what was bothering them. The disagreement improved when we both had a chance to speak without interrupting. We listened to each other’s concerns, focused on our shared goal of completing the project well, and came up with a compromise that divided the work according to our strengths and schedules. We then agreed on deadlines and checked in with each other. Communicating respectfully and making a plan together helped us resolve the conflict positively.

An organization is a group of people who coordinate their activities to achieve shared goals. Organizations have common goals, a structure that assigns roles and responsibilities, and communication that helps members coordinate their work. Three examples are a school, a local sports team, and a workplace or business. An organization I belong to could also be a school club, team, or another group I participate in.

The three types of formal messages are downward, upward, and lateral. Downward communication flows from a manager to employees, such as a supervisor sending instructions about a new procedure. Upward communication flows from employees to managers, such as an employee submitting a progress report or suggestion. Lateral communication occurs between people at the same level, such as two department coworkers coordinating a project. An informal, or grapevine, message spreads through unofficial conversations among members, such as coworkers sharing news about a possible change in the workplace.

Answers will vary, but should offer a couple different solutions. For example: organize a brainstorming activity, or try looking at the problem from a different angle.