COM2611: APPLIED ORGANISATIONAL COMMUNICATION
COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED
RECENTLY UPDATED 2026/2027
Q1. What is organisational communication?
ANSWER : Organisational communication refers to the processes by
which information is created, exchanged, and interpreted within and
between organisations to achieve organisational goals.
Q2. Distinguish between formal and informal communication in
organisations.
ANSWER : Formal communication follows official channels and
hierarchical lines (e.g., memos, reports), while informal communication
occurs outside official channels through social interaction (e.g.,
grapevine, casual conversation).
Q3. What is the difference between internal and external
organisational communication?
ANSWER : Internal communication occurs among members within the
organisation, while external communication involves the organisation
interacting with outside stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, and
the public.
Q4. Define the term 'communication climate' in an organisational
context.
ANSWER : Communication climate refers to the overall atmosphere or
environment of communication within an organisation, shaped by trust,
openness, supportiveness, and the quality of relationships between
employees and management.
Q5. What are the key functions of communication in organisations?
ANSWER : The key functions include: information sharing, coordination
of activities, decision-making, motivation of employees, socialisation of
members, and conflict management.
,Q6. Explain the Shannon-Weaver model and its relevance to
organisational communication.
ANSWER : The Shannon-Weaver model depicts communication as a
linear process: sender → encoder → channel → decoder → receiver,
with noise as interference. In organisations it highlights how messages
can be distorted along the communication chain.
Q7. What is meant by 'noise' in the context of organisational
communication?
ANSWER : Noise is any barrier or interference that distorts or prevents
the accurate transmission and reception of a message, including
physical noise, semantic misunderstandings, psychological barriers, and
cultural differences.
Q8. What is the transactional model of communication?
ANSWER : The transactional model views communication as a
simultaneous, two-way process in which both parties act as senders and
receivers at the same time, continuously shaping meaning through
feedback and context.
Q9. Define 'communication network' in organisations.
ANSWER : A communication network is the pattern of information flow
among members of an organisation, showing who communicates with
whom. Examples include the chain, wheel, circle, all-channel, and Y
networks.
Q10. What is the grapevine in organisational communication?
ANSWER : The grapevine is the informal, unofficial communication
network in organisations through which rumours and information spread
rapidly, often bypassing formal channels. It can be both beneficial and
harmful to organisations.
Q11. What is upward communication in organisations?
ANSWER : Upward communication is the flow of information from
subordinates to superiors, such as feedback, suggestions, grievances,
and progress reports. It helps management understand employee
concerns and performance.
Q12. What is downward communication and what are its purposes?
, ANSWER : Downward communication flows from higher to lower levels
of the hierarchy. Its purposes include issuing instructions, policies, job
assignments, feedback on performance, and conveying organisational
goals.
Q13. Explain horizontal (lateral) communication.
ANSWER : Horizontal communication occurs between individuals or
departments at the same hierarchical level. It facilitates coordination,
problem-solving, and information sharing among peers.
Q14. What is diagonal communication?
ANSWER : Diagonal communication crosses both hierarchical levels
and departmental boundaries. It is used to speed up information flow,
especially in modern flat or matrix organisations.
Q15. List and explain four barriers to effective organisational
communication.
ANSWER : 1) Perceptual differences – people interpret messages
differently based on their experiences. 2) Language barriers – jargon or
technical language excludes some audiences. 3) Information overload –
too much information impairs processing. 4) Organisational hierarchy –
multiple levels can distort messages.
Q16. What is the 7 Cs of communication?
ANSWER : The 7 Cs are: Clear, Concise, Concrete, Correct, Coherent,
Complete, and Courteous. These principles guide the crafting of
effective organisational messages.
Q17. What is the difference between a channel and a medium in
communication?
ANSWER : A channel is the pathway through which a message travels
(e.g., face-to-face, electronic). A medium is the specific tool used within
that channel (e.g., email, telephone, letter). Both affect message clarity
and reception.
Q18. Define encoding and decoding in the communication process.
ANSWER : Encoding is the process by which the sender converts ideas
into a message (words, symbols, or images). Decoding is the receiver's
process of interpreting and assigning meaning to that message.
, Q19. What is 'message fidelity' in organisational communication?
ANSWER : Message fidelity refers to the degree to which a message
received matches the message intended by the sender. High fidelity
means accurate transmission; low fidelity indicates distortion has
occurred.
Q20. Why is context important in organisational communication?
ANSWER : Context – including physical setting, social relationships,
cultural norms, and organisational history – shapes the meaning of
messages. Ignoring context leads to misinterpretation and
communication failure.
Q21. What is the interactional model of communication?
ANSWER : The interactional model (Schramm) introduced the concept
of feedback into the linear model, showing communication as a two-way
exchange where sender and receiver take turns, and messages are
influenced by each party's field of experience.
Q22. Explain the concept of 'field of experience' in communication.
ANSWER : Field of experience refers to all the attitudes, values,
experiences, education, and cultural background that a communicator
brings to any interaction. Communication is most effective when the
fields of experience of sender and receiver overlap.
Q23. What role does trust play in organisational communication?
ANSWER : Trust is the foundation of open communication. When
employees trust management, they are more likely to share honest
feedback, accept messages without distortion, and engage in candid
dialogue, reducing rumour and resistance.
UNIT 2: Interpersonal Communication in Organisations
Q24. What is interpersonal communication?
ANSWER : Interpersonal communication is face-to-face or direct
communication between two or more individuals involving the exchange
of verbal and nonverbal messages in a shared context.
COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED
RECENTLY UPDATED 2026/2027
Q1. What is organisational communication?
ANSWER : Organisational communication refers to the processes by
which information is created, exchanged, and interpreted within and
between organisations to achieve organisational goals.
Q2. Distinguish between formal and informal communication in
organisations.
ANSWER : Formal communication follows official channels and
hierarchical lines (e.g., memos, reports), while informal communication
occurs outside official channels through social interaction (e.g.,
grapevine, casual conversation).
Q3. What is the difference between internal and external
organisational communication?
ANSWER : Internal communication occurs among members within the
organisation, while external communication involves the organisation
interacting with outside stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, and
the public.
Q4. Define the term 'communication climate' in an organisational
context.
ANSWER : Communication climate refers to the overall atmosphere or
environment of communication within an organisation, shaped by trust,
openness, supportiveness, and the quality of relationships between
employees and management.
Q5. What are the key functions of communication in organisations?
ANSWER : The key functions include: information sharing, coordination
of activities, decision-making, motivation of employees, socialisation of
members, and conflict management.
,Q6. Explain the Shannon-Weaver model and its relevance to
organisational communication.
ANSWER : The Shannon-Weaver model depicts communication as a
linear process: sender → encoder → channel → decoder → receiver,
with noise as interference. In organisations it highlights how messages
can be distorted along the communication chain.
Q7. What is meant by 'noise' in the context of organisational
communication?
ANSWER : Noise is any barrier or interference that distorts or prevents
the accurate transmission and reception of a message, including
physical noise, semantic misunderstandings, psychological barriers, and
cultural differences.
Q8. What is the transactional model of communication?
ANSWER : The transactional model views communication as a
simultaneous, two-way process in which both parties act as senders and
receivers at the same time, continuously shaping meaning through
feedback and context.
Q9. Define 'communication network' in organisations.
ANSWER : A communication network is the pattern of information flow
among members of an organisation, showing who communicates with
whom. Examples include the chain, wheel, circle, all-channel, and Y
networks.
Q10. What is the grapevine in organisational communication?
ANSWER : The grapevine is the informal, unofficial communication
network in organisations through which rumours and information spread
rapidly, often bypassing formal channels. It can be both beneficial and
harmful to organisations.
Q11. What is upward communication in organisations?
ANSWER : Upward communication is the flow of information from
subordinates to superiors, such as feedback, suggestions, grievances,
and progress reports. It helps management understand employee
concerns and performance.
Q12. What is downward communication and what are its purposes?
, ANSWER : Downward communication flows from higher to lower levels
of the hierarchy. Its purposes include issuing instructions, policies, job
assignments, feedback on performance, and conveying organisational
goals.
Q13. Explain horizontal (lateral) communication.
ANSWER : Horizontal communication occurs between individuals or
departments at the same hierarchical level. It facilitates coordination,
problem-solving, and information sharing among peers.
Q14. What is diagonal communication?
ANSWER : Diagonal communication crosses both hierarchical levels
and departmental boundaries. It is used to speed up information flow,
especially in modern flat or matrix organisations.
Q15. List and explain four barriers to effective organisational
communication.
ANSWER : 1) Perceptual differences – people interpret messages
differently based on their experiences. 2) Language barriers – jargon or
technical language excludes some audiences. 3) Information overload –
too much information impairs processing. 4) Organisational hierarchy –
multiple levels can distort messages.
Q16. What is the 7 Cs of communication?
ANSWER : The 7 Cs are: Clear, Concise, Concrete, Correct, Coherent,
Complete, and Courteous. These principles guide the crafting of
effective organisational messages.
Q17. What is the difference between a channel and a medium in
communication?
ANSWER : A channel is the pathway through which a message travels
(e.g., face-to-face, electronic). A medium is the specific tool used within
that channel (e.g., email, telephone, letter). Both affect message clarity
and reception.
Q18. Define encoding and decoding in the communication process.
ANSWER : Encoding is the process by which the sender converts ideas
into a message (words, symbols, or images). Decoding is the receiver's
process of interpreting and assigning meaning to that message.
, Q19. What is 'message fidelity' in organisational communication?
ANSWER : Message fidelity refers to the degree to which a message
received matches the message intended by the sender. High fidelity
means accurate transmission; low fidelity indicates distortion has
occurred.
Q20. Why is context important in organisational communication?
ANSWER : Context – including physical setting, social relationships,
cultural norms, and organisational history – shapes the meaning of
messages. Ignoring context leads to misinterpretation and
communication failure.
Q21. What is the interactional model of communication?
ANSWER : The interactional model (Schramm) introduced the concept
of feedback into the linear model, showing communication as a two-way
exchange where sender and receiver take turns, and messages are
influenced by each party's field of experience.
Q22. Explain the concept of 'field of experience' in communication.
ANSWER : Field of experience refers to all the attitudes, values,
experiences, education, and cultural background that a communicator
brings to any interaction. Communication is most effective when the
fields of experience of sender and receiver overlap.
Q23. What role does trust play in organisational communication?
ANSWER : Trust is the foundation of open communication. When
employees trust management, they are more likely to share honest
feedback, accept messages without distortion, and engage in candid
dialogue, reducing rumour and resistance.
UNIT 2: Interpersonal Communication in Organisations
Q24. What is interpersonal communication?
ANSWER : Interpersonal communication is face-to-face or direct
communication between two or more individuals involving the exchange
of verbal and nonverbal messages in a shared context.
