INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED SECRETARIES

AND ADMINISTRATORS IN ZIMBABWE

EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER

SUBJECT: BUSINESS COMMUNICATION AND ETHICS

PART: A
DATE: MAY 2021 TIME: 13:30 to 16:30 HOURS
DURATION: 3 hours; plus 15 minutes reading time

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

1. Answer question ONE (1) in Section A and ANY OTHER THREE (3) questions in Section
B.
2. Question One (1) is COMPULSORY and carries 40 marks. Questions in Section B carry
20 marks each.

Total: 100 marks

The examination script is the property of ICSAZ and is not to be removed from the examination
venue.
 SECTION A
(This Section is Compulsory)

QUESTION 1

You have recently been appointed as a Public Relations Manager of a leading

legal and accounts practising organisation/firm. Over the years the reputation
of the organisation has been plummeting. The declining reputation has also
affected the financial position of the organisation. There have been reports of
malpractice, unscrupulous handling of audits results and finances, sexual
harassment and regionalism occurring within the organisation. The staff at
Head Office are three months in salary arrears. Your predecessor used to take
these reports as mere ‘perceptions’.

REQUIRED:
What are you going to do to handle perceptions and misconceptions in order
to turn around the company and to shore up its image? In your answer explain
whether perceptions matter. (40 marks)

SECTION B
(Answer any THREE (3) questions from this section)

QUESTION 2

Read the following letter carefully. Identify the flaws in and about the letter.
Re-write correcting all the identified errors therein.

Number 1359
Acturus Drive
Greendale
Harare

9/02/21

Old Mutual Properties

The Chase
Emerald Hill
Harare

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Business Communication and Ethics: May 2021 Page 2 of 3
Dear Sir or Madam

RE: HUMAN RESOURCES VACANCY

I am a 25 year old boy applying to become a human resources manager in your

company.

I am your man. I have a degree in Human resources from the best university in
the country the University of Zimbabwe. I have also done a diploma in
arbitration with UZ. you can confirm. I have my degree certificates and
transcript. my referees give me references that are very very good. You are free
to call them any time you want. i am very confident and profesional and had
10 years of experience in my bag from the premier beverage company in the
whole country delta beverages.

I can perform. If you invite me for an interview you will see fireworks.

Yours most sincerely

Wily the old fox

(20 marks)

QUESTION 3

You have been invited as a guest of honour at the United Nations International
‘Mother Tongue Day’ commemorations on the 21st of February 2021 at a local
tertiary institution.

REQUIRED:
Write the speech that you will deliver focusing on the importance of the
“Mother Tongue” in sustainable development and inclusion across different
communities. (20 marks)

QUESTION 4
“Not everyone is a good listener” (anonymous, 2021). Discuss. (20 marks)

QUESTION 5

Write a report to the management of your organisation in which you explain to

them why it is important for every employer to undergo a course in
communication. (20 marks)
“End of Examination Question Paper”

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