Government & Business Correspondence:
Communicating Interculturally — Thill/Bovee 3



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This quiz is based on Business Communication (activebook 2.0) by John V. Thill and Courtland L. Bovee.

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  1. Cultural diversity is:
    a shared system of symbols, attitudes, beliefs, values, expectations, and norms for behavior.
    the process of sending and receiving messages between people of different cultures.
    the degree to which a population is made up of people from various national, ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds.
    the pattern of physical cues and implicit understanding that conveys meaning between two members of the same culture.
  2. One of the ways people assign meaning to a message is according to its:
    subculture.
    ethnocentrism.
    cultural context.
    none of the above.
  3. You can adapt to any culture by using all of the following techniques except:
    taking responsibility for communication.
    learning that people are “typical” of their race, gender, or religion.
    emphasizing common ground.
    increasing your cultural sensitivity.
  4. When speaking English to people who speak English as a second language, use all of the following guidelines except:
    try to eliminate “noise.”
    look for feedback.
    repeat your sentence with more emphasis.
    use accurate, objective language.
  5. In a high-context culture:
    business is conducted in what appears to be a social atmosphere.
    people rely on words.
    personal pledges are more important than contracts.
    both “a” and “c.”
  6. Which of the following has caused effective intercultural business communication skills to become more important?
    Contemporary businesses now sell more products domestically than overseas.
    Technological advances in communication and transportation are driving globalization.
    The globalization of business has decreased competition for employees, customers, and materials.
    In many countries, the domestic work force is becoming more homogenous.
  7. Effective intercultural communication depends on:
    technology and the Internet.
    recognition of the ways in which people differ.
    relaxation of trade barriers.
    a shared system of symbols, attitudes, beliefs, values, expectations, and behavioral norms.
  8. Ethnocentric people are prone to:
    cultural diversity.
    intercultural communication.
    stereotyping.
    rely on verbal communication.
  9. When negotiating with people from other cultures, remember that they:
    have different approaches to negotiation.
    vary in their tolerance for open disagreement.
    are motivated by the same things that you are.
    both “a” and “b.”
  10. Do all of the following except___________ to overcome cultural barriers to written communication.
    use short, precise words
    rely on abstractions
    avoid slang, idioms, jargon, and buzz words
    use short paragraphs
  11. Which of the following is not a barrier to intercultural communication?
    cultural differences
    language problems
    ethnocentric reactions
    cultural circles
  12. ___________________ are distinct groups that exist within a major culture.
    Cultures
    Surface cultures
    Subcultures
    Deep cultures


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