BBM 3rd Semester
Business Communication Board Question Paper 2026

What do you mean by bias-free language in writing?

Mention the types of management style in communication.

What is email etiquette?

Define intercultural sensitivity.

How do you define ethical dilemma?

Write a difference between Resume and Bio-Data.

What is meeting minute?

Define Proxemics.

What is AIDA model of advertising?

What is the meaning of grant?

"Sometimes, action and deeds speak louder and clear then words". Explain this statement focusing on non-verbal communication.

Discuss 7 C's of effective business communication.

What are the effective ways of giving presentation?

Explain the traditional and modern organizational structures.

Your company is organizing a "Blood Donation Program" on the auspicious occasion of "World Heart Day". Prepare a notice for the public about the program.

What are the effective guidelines for writing a Blog? Discuss.

Elaborate the fundamental elements of professionalism.

You are applying for the post of a Sales Officer in a company located in Kathmandu. Write a cover letter and prepare a resume required for the vacancy.

As a chief executive officer of ABC company, you want to motivate the employees and take your company to new height of excellence in terms of its growth as well as turn-over. Prepare a memo to inform your staffs regarding the updates you have made in terms of upgraded facilities, incentives and surveillance strategies.

You are a member of an NGO, prepare a report on the growing plastic waste crisis in your city, detailing its impact on environment and suggesting sustainable disposal methods.

You are tasked with opening a new cafeteria at a major university. Given the diverse needs of scholars, faculty, and administrative staff, prepare a business plan to submit at the university.

Read the following case carefully and answer the questions that follow:
In 2008, a small startup called Airbnb was founded by Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk. What began as a simple idea—to rent out air mattresses in an apartment to conference attendees—eventually grew into one of the most successful global platforms for short-term accommodation. However, Airbnb's success was not simply due to innovation in business; rather, it was largely driven by effective communication strategies that addressed deeper social concerns.
At its core, Airbnb faced a major challenge: trust. The platform required strangers to interact in highly personal ways. Guests had to feel safe staying in someone else's home, while hosts had to trust unknown individuals with their property. Unlike traditional hotels, which rely on established reputations and standardized services, Airbnb initially lacked institutional credibility. Therefore, it had to construct trust through communication rather than infrastructure.
One of the key strategies Airbnb used was the development of detailed user profiles. Hosts and guests were encouraged to share photographs, personal descriptions, and verified identification. This reduced anonymity and helped users perceive each other as real, trustworthy individuals. In addition, the platform introduced a system of reviews and ratings. After each interaction, both parties could leave feedback that was publicly visible. This system of transparency created accountability and allowed future users to make informed decisions. In this context, "peer-to-peer communication" refers to direct interaction and feedback between users—hosts and guests—without the need for a central authority, making trust a shared responsibility.
Visual communication also played a significant role in Airbnb's growth. Early listings often contained poor-quality images, which reduced their appeal and credibility. To solve this, Airbnb introduced professional photography services for hosts. High-quality visuals made listings more attractive and trustworthy, demonstrating how images can influence perception in digital spaces. This shows that communication is not only verbal or textual but also visual, shaping how users interpret and respond to information.
Another important aspect of Airbnb's success was its branding and storytelling. Instead of presenting itself as just a cheaper alternative to hotels, Airbnb focused on emotional connection and experience. Its slogan, "Belong Anywhere," reflects this idea by emphasizing a sense of community, inclusion, and cultural immersion. Rather than simply offering accommodation, Airbnb communicates the idea that users can feel at home wherever they go. This slogan functions as a powerful communication tool because it shifts the focus from economic transaction to emotional experience, making the brand more relatable and meaningful.
Communication strategies were central to Airbnb's overall success. By building trust through profiles and reviews, enhancing perception through visual communication, and creating emotional appeal through storytelling, Airbnb was able to attract and retain users. These strategies helped transform a risky idea into a widely accepted global service. The company's ability to communicate effectively with its audience ensured that users not only understood the platform but also felt confident using it.
Crisis communication also played a crucial role in maintaining Airbnb's reputation. As the company expanded, it faced several challenges, including safety concerns, property damage, and legal issues in different regions. In response, Airbnb adopted a transparent approach to communication. It publicly acknowledged problems, issued apologies when necessary, and introduced policies such as host protection guarantees and improved customer support. This demonstrates the importance of crisis communication: by addressing issues openly and responsibly, a company can maintain user trust even in difficult situations. Airbnb's response to crises shows that effective communication is essential not only during success but also during periods of conflict and uncertainty.
Despite its success, Airbnb's communication strategies have also been subject to criticism. While the company promotes ideas of belonging and community, it has been accused of contributing to housing shortages and the commercialization of residential spaces in some cities. This raises important questions about the power of communication: sometimes, branding and messaging can shape perceptions in ways that may not fully reflect reality. For communication students, this highlights the need for critical thinking when analyzing media messages.
In conclusion, Airbnb's journey illustrates that communication is not just an auxiliary function but a central element of success in modern startups. Through trust-building mechanisms, visual strategies, storytelling, crisis management, and targeted messaging, Airbnb established a strong global presence. Its example demonstrates that in today's digital world, the ability to communicate effectively can be just as important as the innovation itself.

Questions:
a. How does the slogan "Belong Anywhere" reflect Airbnb's brand message?
b. How did communication strategies contribute to Airbnb's success?
c. Discuss the importance of crisis communication with reference to Airbnb.
d. What does "peer-to-peer communication" mean in the context of the passage?