Final answer:
Personal communication in the workplace can include personal elements, especially when communicating with external parties, and it can impact attitudes and effectiveness at work. It should balance professionalism with individuality but isn't regulated by formal networks nor inherently counter-productive to organizational goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement regarding personal communication in a professional setting is that it can include elements when dealing with external parties. Personal communication can be imbued with aspects of a person's culture, gender, and individual factors, leading to a sometimes fine balance between being direct and maintaining diplomatic tactfulness. It reflects the individual's professional persona, can influence attitudes, and contributes to the overall effectiveness of workplace interactions.
Within professional settings, communication is expected to be both proficient and adhere to etiquette, such as responding promptly to emails and preserving confidentiality. While external communication may carry elements of personal touches, especially to build rapport and trust, it still must align with professional standards and reflect the organizational positions accurately.
Friends and social networks also play a role in shaping attitudes through trusted personal communications. This can lead to the rapid acceptance of information or, conversely, the introduction of bias under certain circumstances as seen in how social media may impact opinions and actions within a society. Conclusively, personal communication is not regulated by formal networks, and while it's personal in nature, it should not be discounted as counter-productive as long as it is performed within professional bounds.