In the modern workplace, there are a variety of media through which you can communicate. Each form of communication has distinct advantages and disadvantages.

When communicating during a job interview, an advantage is that you cancreate a personal connection $.$

The degree to which people are engaged online and ready to connect with others is called social presence $.$

When writing a letter, an advantage issimplicity $.$

A disadvantage is that written documentsrequire more effort $.$

In today's workplace, information flows through formal and informal communication channels. A free exchange of information builds employee trust and can boost efficiency and productivity.

Read the following scenario, and select the type of information flow being described.

You call your team's IT representative on the telephone to let him know about an issue you are having with your server.

Upward flow

Horizontal flow

Downward flow

is an obstacle in the downward flow of information.

What is one way to improve the horizontal flow of information?

Encourage limited participation in team functions.

Train employees to work as a team that uses better communication techniques.

Make managers responsible for their employees being heard.

Informal communication channels are often effective ways to exchange information. In fact, the grapevine can be efficient and accurate; however, it is important not to participate in workplace gossip.

Examine the following scenario, and choose the most ethical response.

You are in the company cafeteria, and your coworkers begin discussing an interaction between your boss and another colleague. You witnessed the actual encounter, so you know that your coworkers are wrong and that the situation is being discussed in a way that may be hurtful to both your boss and the colleague.

How should you respond?

Excuse yourself, and go have lunch in your office alone.

Participate in the gossip to build better relationships with your coworkers.

Correct your coworkers' misconceptions.