Hi Murph-
Not sure I get what you mean. My understanding is tha CMYK & RGB are color
modes for image files. The graphics inserted into a Word doc carry their own
color info (although how well Word handles it is another topic of discussion).
That info as well as any font color, line color, fills, etc. is interpreted
by the output device with the assistance of a color management system as an
"interpreter". There are any number of CMSs available, but that can get a bit
tricky.
If I'm missing your point, please clarify |:>)