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All 15 Flashcards — Types of communication
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Question
What is communication in business?
Answer
The transfer of information from a sender to a receiver so the message is understood and acted upon.
💡 Hint
Sender → receiver.
Question
Communication is the transfer of ______ from sender to receiver.
Answer
Information.
💡 Hint
Message transfer.
Question
What is formal communication?
Answer
Communication through official channels (e.g. reports, official emails, meetings) with an identifiable source.
💡 Hint
Official channels.
Question
Give one advantage of formal communication.
Answer
It is clear, professional and creates a record, reducing confusion.
💡 Hint
Record = clarity.
Question
Give one advantage of verbal communication.
Answer
It is fast and allows immediate feedback and clarification.
💡 Hint
Quick + feedback.
Question
Written communication provides a permanent ______.
Answer
Record.
💡 Hint
Keep evidence.
Question
What is informal communication?
Answer
Communication outside official channels (the grapevine), such as casual conversations or chat groups.
💡 Hint
Grapevine.
Question
Give one advantage of written communication.
Answer
It provides a permanent record and can be shared consistently with many people.
💡 Hint
Record + consistency.
Question
Downward communication flows from managers to ______.
Answer
Subordinates.
💡 Hint
Top-down.
Question
What is downward communication?
Answer
Information sent from managers to subordinates (e.g. instructions, policies, feedback).
💡 Hint
Top-down.
Question
The grapevine is a form of ______ communication.
Answer
Informal.
💡 Hint
Unofficial.
Question
Give one disadvantage of informal communication.
Answer
It can spread rumours, become distorted and has no reliable record.
💡 Hint
Fast but unreliable.
Question
Exam tip: When analysing communication, what two things should you mention?
Answer
Direction (up/down/horizontal/external) and whether it is formal or informal.
💡 Hint
Direction + type.
Question
What is horizontal (lateral) communication?
Answer
Communication between employees at the same level, often for coordination and teamwork.
💡 Hint
Same level.
Question
Effective communication means the message is understood and ______ upon.
Answer
Acted.
💡 Hint
Understood + action.
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Topic 2.6 hub
Communication
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