XI. Language expansion: Expressions and idioms

We know that an international businessperson must be flexible, patient, and able to adapt to different environments. In the United States we have idioms that express these qualities.

a)Match the idioms to their definitions.

1. to play it (the situation)	a. to accept a situation not trying to change anything and letting the other person lead
2. to ride out the storm	b. to not cause problems
3. to go with the flow	c. to be patient and flexible
4. to not rock the boat	d. to compromise; to be flexible
5. to meet halfway adapt	e. to not leave a situation that is unfavorable at present, but rather to wait for it to get better; to be patient
6. collaboration	f. understand someone
7. colleague	g. to clear up a problem
8. to consider	h. feelings of worry, pressure, or anger
9. behavior	i. to pause
10. to resolve	j. annoyed and disappointed

b) Substitute the words in italics with the idiom that would fit best in the context.

1. The import taxes were getting higher and higher each year. Even though the company suffered financially, its executive decided to continue paying the high cost because they knew eventually the cost would come down.

2. Before the meeting, Mr. Woodson was told to keep his\ opinions to himself and not to disagree on any issue.

3. The salesman wanted $7,500 for the car. The customer wanted to pay $6,500. They bargained and the customer paid $7,000.

4.In the beginning, we thought the meetings would only last two days. After two days, it was clear the meetings would go on for another week. Instead of trying to speed things up, we accepted the extended schedule and stayed for five more days.

5. The company could not decide between the Japanese and the Russian bid. Instead of going by their original plan, they decided to wait until the last minute, then decide what to do.

XII. Render the text “Agro World” using the plan.

Plan for rendering the text

1. The headline of the text.

2. The contents of the text:

a) the beginning of the text

b) the bulk of the text

c) the end of the text

3.Central idea (State it briefly and in your own words).

4. Summary. (Be sure to make your summary not more than a third or a half as long as the original).

XIII. Work as one group. Point out the main periods in the development of the Agro World.

XIV. The following advertisement appeared in an international newspaper. Based on the case, explain why Agro World wants the person it hires to have each of the qualifications mentioned in the advertisement.

Answer the following questions and share your answers with a partner.

a) How important are cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural communication skills for this position? Why are they important?

b) Are there any other skills you think the candidate needs to have? What kind of personal and work-related background do you think the candidate should have? Explain your answers

_AGROWORLD

Come grow with us!

We are one of the world's largest producers of agricultural products. We are presently looking for a public relations person to serve as a national and international liaison to promote and represent our new plant outside of Quito, Ecuador. The successful candidate should have the following qualifications:

1. five or more years' experience in an international organization

2. excellent cross-cultural skills and cultural sensitivity

3. excellent communication and interpersonal skills

4. strong knowledge of technology related to the industry

5. proven ability to write press releases and promotional pieces

6. strong organizational skills: able to maintain an office and direct own staff