Иностранный язык в сфере профессиональной деятельности (Intercultural Business Skills). Учебное пособие по английскому языку

The black staff participate in team meetings, but they are not heard equally. For example, on a number of occasions their suggestions have been ignored.

A few incidents have occurred. Some “lighthearted” jokes have been directed at one of the black staff about what they have brought in for their lunch, and comments made about the smell of the food; some of the language used by white colleagues has been subtly, and sometimes not so subtly, objected to by black staff. The use of the term “coloured” about clients raised the black staff’s objection that the term “coloured” had been imposed on them in the past, defining them in a subordinate and oppressive relationship. They also pointed out that black people have now adopted the term “black”, thereby asserting the element of choice born of independent status. The white staff’s view was that the black staff were being “over-sensitive”, and that the objections which have been made to the use of language should not be taken seriously. The behaviour of the white staff remained unchanged.

Two black members of the staff approached the manager and asked if a black workers’ group could be set up.

Suggested answer

The manager needs to take some action. The formation of the group would provide the black workers with a forum where they could meet, and her support for it would send a signal to the white workers. The danger of forming the group is that the communication between the groups might polarize, and get even worse. Further action might include:

–getting feedback from the white workers to find out why they are behaving as they are;

–making sure that all the staff understand the reasons for the formation of the group;

–encouraging staff to challenge discriminatory remarks or actions;

–offering training to all staff.

12. Many companies now have a diversity policy. One example is Procter and Gamble. The text below is taken from their statement on diversity. Compare the Procter and Gamble policy with that of other companies that you are familiar with.

“Our intent is to develop all employees to their full potential. To achieve this goal, we have human resource systems in place that support individual development, and we regularly review those systems to make sure they work well for everyone, including women and the various population groups that make up our minority workforce.

Ongoing support systems we have in place include:

–career discussions, performance appraisals, assignment plans, transfer and promotion plans;

–grass roots/informal network support groups which have existed at different sites for a number of years;

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– mentoring to provide informal support and guidance, in addition to the coaching and training provided by each employee’s direct manager”.

WRITTEN REFLECTION

13. Many people find that living or working abroad help them to understand their own cultural background more clearly. At times we need to step back from our particular culture in order to see it more impartially. What characteristics do you think people from other countries associate with your national culture?

Images of people from different countries

14.Find out what foreign business guides say about your national culture and write a short paragraph about the issue.

15.Write an Essay on one of the following topics.

1.American/British/Australian identity: as I see it.

2.What makes American/British and Russian cultures so different and what makes us so much alike.

3.The Japanese/Chinese way of life versus the Russian way of life.

4. What does it mean to be a European/an Asian (way of life of а particular business culture).

16. To fulfil the task successfully mind the following points.

Sources of Misinterpretation: Misinterpretation can be caused by inaccurate perceptions of a person or situation that arise when what actually exists is not seen. Culture strongly influences, and in many cases determines, our interpretations. Both the categories and the meanings we attach to them are based on our cultural background. Sources of cross-cultural misinterpretation

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include subconscious cultural “blinders,” a lack of cultural self-awareness, projected similarity, and parochialism. There are many ways to increase the chances for accurately understanding foreigners. Some useful tips to consider:

Verbal behavior: Clear, slow speech. Enunciate each word. Do not use colloquial expressions. Repetition: Repeat each important idea using different words to explain the same concept. Simple sentences. Active verbs. Avoid compound, long sentences and passive verbs.

Non-verbal behavior: Visual restatements. Use as many visual restatements as possible, such as pictures, graphs, tables, and slides. Gestures: Use more facial and hand gestures to emphasize the meaning of words. Demonstration: Act out as many themes as possible. Pauses: Pause more frequently. Summaries: Hand out written summaries of your verbal presentation.

Silence: When there is a silence, wait. Do not jump in to fill the silence. The other person is probably just thinking more slowly in the non-native language or translating.

Intelligence: Do not equate poor grammar and mispronunciation with lack of intelligence; it is usually a sign of second language use. Differences: If unsure, assume difference, not similarity. Understanding: Do not just assume that they understand; assume that they do not understand. Checking comprehension. Have colleagues repeat their understanding of the material back to you. Do not simply ask if they understand or not. Let them explain what they understand. Breaks: Take more frequent breaks. Second language comprehension is exhausting. Small modules: Divide the material into smaller modules. Longer time frame. Allocate more time for each module than usual in a monolingual program.

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tie smth in with to deliberately arrange an event so that it happens at the same time as something else because this helps you in some way. The

advertising campaign has been arranged to tie in with the World Cup Finals.

4. Time when you can do what you want, because you are not working, studying etc:

free time [n U] Now that he’s retired he has plenty of free time.

spare time time when you are not doing what you have to do or are expected to do, so that you can do what you want to do [n U] She’s studying for

a degree in her spare time.

time off time when you are officially allowed not to be at your place of work or study [n U] All employees are allowed time off for doctor’s

appointments time off work Americans get much less time off work than

European workers.

time out time when you stop what you are doing, especially in order to

rest [n U] Taking time out just to relax each day is important during pregnancy. leisure time time when you are not working, studying, etc [n U] In his leisure time he visits museums and art galleries leisure time activities tourism,

sightseeing, and other leisure time activities.

5. To have very little time to do something:

have very little time/not have much time We had very little time to train

for the big game.

be short of time to have very little time to do something, especially because you have a lot of things to do [v phrase] If you’re short of time, I could

make an appointment to see you another day.

be pressed for time to have very little time to do something, especially because not enough time has been allowed [v phrase] We’re pressed for time –

can we leave your business until next week’s meeting?

be pressed for time, be pushed for time/be pushed informal expressions meaning to have very little time to do what you have to do [v phrase] It’s

probably best to avoid the main roads unless you’re really pushed for time.

run out of time to be unable to finish doing something within the time that you have to do it in [v phrase] Very soon the company would run of time as

well as money.

6.To make sure that you have enough time to do something, even if you are very busy:

find time/make time to arrange your plans so that you will have enough time do something, especially something that you think is important [v phrase]

I always said I’d visit her but unfortunately I never found the time find/make time for However busy you are, always be sure to make time for your family.

7.Happening at the right time:

timely actions, decisions that are timely are taken at the right time, especially with the result that they prevent something bad from happening It was

a timely political article coinciding with the unification of Germany.

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opportune moment/time etc (=a formal word meaning a time when you are most likely to be successful, or a time witch is convenient) You might have

chosen a more opportune moment to inform me of your resignation! well-timed done at the right time so that it is likely to have a successful

result [adj] It was an attractive offer, and well-timed, because I was looking for

a new job anyway.

come at the right time if something helpful comes at the right time, it happens at the time when you need it most The upturn of the economy came at

just the right time for the government, with the result that they won the election.

8. The wrong time to do something:

the wrong time Airline pilots know that putting the landing wheels down at the wrong time can be dangerous the wrong time to do smth This is the

wrong time to ask your father to borrow his car – he’s in a really bad mood.

a bad time not good time, a time when something is not likely to be successful [n phrase] bad time to do smth He had chosen a bad time to asked

for a raise – the company had just lost a major contract at a bad time Have

I come at a bad time? I can call back later.

be no time/not be the time an expression meaning to be the wrong time to do something, used especially when you are telling someone what they should do or how they should behave [v phrase] be no time for It’s not the time for

politeness and etiquette when there are lives at stake be not time to do smth This is not the time to argue about money – we’re meant to be enjoying

ourselves!

9. Happening at the wrong time:

badly-timed/ill-timed done at the wrong time so that it is likely to have an unsuccessful result [adj] The management’s clumsy and ill-timed intonation

almost caused a strike.

come at the wrong time/at a bad time to happen at a time that is inconvenient or likely to cause problems [v phrase].

inopportune time/moment etc (=a bad time for something to happen) It was an inopportune moment to call on her – she was in a terrible mood. For the President this crisis was an unforeseen and extremely inopportune event.

2. Is there any difference between the following words/expressions? Be ready with your own examples with these word/expressions.

At the same time – simultaneously – meanwhile – for the time being; to coincide – to clash; to synchronize – to tie smth with smth; free time – spare time – time off – leisure time – time out; timely – opportune – well-timed; to be short of time – to be pressed for time – to be pushed for time; to be in time – to be on time; timetable – schedule – programme.

What are antonyms for: behind time; in the long run?

3. Paraphrase the following sentences.

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1.At the beginning I thought he was joking, when he told me the police wanted to see me.

2.Can you send me this fax right away, it’s urgent.

3.We are ahead of our competitors meanwhile but we can stay that way

as long as we keep an eye on what the customers want.

4.I’ll shortly be introducing you to our sales director but in the meantime, let me show you a short video in connection with company development.

5.Please make sure delivery is at the right time, as we have a tight production schedule to keep to.

6.There losses are serious – we’ll have to call a meeting straight away, to get to the bottom of it.

7.We don’t seem to be making much headway in our discussion. Why don’t we have a pause?

8.How much money has been stolen as yet? – Two million dollars in all, give or take a few cents.

4. Insert the appropriate words or expressions from dictionary entry.

1. No, I can’t go to rehearsals this Saturday. It ________ with the ball

game.

2.Maybe I can ______ my visit to the university with a couple of days

holiday.

3.Mothers with small babies rarely have much__________.

4.All employees are allowed ______ ________ for doctor’s appointments.

5.If we ________ our actions, the results will appear sooner.

6.As usual, his wonderful ______ ______ meant the work was done just before it was needed.

7.The Government’s intervention was _______ and may have prevented economic disaster.

8.Two of the speakers talked for longer than had been given on the conference _______.

9.You might have chosen a more ________ time to inform me about your resignation.

10.The management’s clumsy and ________ intervention almost caused

a strike.

11.I’d love to visit Paris, but I just don’t see how I could ________.

12.We are very ________ can we leave your business until week’s

meeting?

LANGUAGE EXPANSION

5. Consider the modals: can, may, might, must, have to, should.

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Comment on the meaning of the modal verbs in the following sentences.

1.Culture can be defined as all the elements which come together to form the way of thinking and acting in the given society.

2.If your ideas are narrow, you may be surprised at all the people you meet who do not fit into your pattern.

3.Our idea have to be flexible and constructed from thorough research and observation.

4.We should also recognise that it is not only people’s national background that influences their behaviour and personality, but also their particular regional background, their personal background and their company culture.

5.Language mistakes can cause problems when we’re doing business with people from other countries.

6.In China the slogan “Come Alive with the Coca-Cola Generation” must have caused a few giggles.

7.“I teach the sort of things that businessmen should avoid in order not to give offense in a country, ” says Britisher Marsh, “and what they should do to give a better impression”.

8.Don’t put all of your cards on the table, or you might find you haven’t got the deal after all.

9.The 28 commissioners themselves may speak any of the nine official languages at their weekly meetings.

10.You might be relieved to hear there are no lingering after dinner speeches in China.

6. Translate the sentences into English.

1.Несмотря на все недоразумения, конференция началась ровно в 10:00.

2.Думаю, нам следует скоординировать свои действия, чтобы не попасть впросак.

3.Если вы хотите произвести хорошее впечатление на работодателя, нужно прийти на собеседование вовремя.

4.К сожалению, мы зря потратили время на выставке.

5.Сотрудники компании Microsoft даже свободное время проводят на совместных мероприятиях.

6.Были приняты своевременные меры по сокращению расходов.

7.Ты выбрал неудачное время для разговора с шефом – компания как раз потеряла важный контракт.

8.Ваше выступление намечено на июньское собрание акционеров.

9.Здравствуйте! Я приехал немного раньше намеченного срока. Поэтому не могли бы мы перенести встречу на более раннее время?

10.Новые технологии позволяют существенно сэкономить время.

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DISCUSSION

7. Do you agree with the proverb “The Busiest men find the most time”? Is it true for you personally?

Which of these proverbs can be included into a code of practice for a businessman:

–“Punctuality is the politeness of kings”;

–“Time is money”;

–“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today”;

–“What may be done at any time is done at no time!”;

–“Time flies”?

8. Answer the questions.

1.In the United States, the expression “timing is everything” means that the most important factor to success is often not what is done, but when something is done. Do you agree with this expression? Why or Why not?

2.Are you careful about how you use time? Do you try to make schedules for yourself? Do you stick to them?

3.Are you concerned about getting to class, work, or appointments on time (“on time” means exactly at the arranged time)? In your culture, how important is it to be on time and not late for appointments and meetings?

4.Do you think it’s important to be punctual? Why or why not?

5.How would you describe your lifestyle: fast-paced or relaxed? Do you like your lifestyle, or do you wish it could be different?

6.Is your culture time conscious or flexible about time? Why do you think your culture has such attitudes to time?

READING

9. Read text 8 and fulfill the tasks that follow it.

Text 8. ITALIAN-SWISS BREAKDOWN

A major Italian manufacturing company needed a new computerized system for its shipping and handling department. The Italian company hired a Swiss software and engineering company to develop the computerized equipment. This equipment was going to be put in the Italian company’s

warehouses.

The two companies agreed on a plan with the following four phases:

1)develop software specifications for the shipping and handling department;

2)design the software;

3)make the computerized machines using the software, and

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4) put the new equipment in the warehouses.

They also developed a general schedule of when each phase should be completed. In the first phase, the two companies agreed on the preliminary specifications for the new software and began to write a more detailed description of these specifications. At first, these meetings were friendly and effective. The two teams used English in the meetings and had no difficulty speaking to each other. However, within three months there was a breakdown in communication and cooperation between the two companies.

The Swiss engineers complained that the Italian team changed the software plans too frequently. Every time the Swiss team thought they had an agreement on the detailed specifications of the computer software, the Italian team came up with new ideas and changes which delayed the project. The Swiss team complained that the Italians were often late and therefore the deadlines were not being met.

The Italian team also had complaints. They said that after the preliminary specifications were made, they thought of some basic ideas that would lead to great improvements. The Swiss team rejected the new ideas even though the new ideas might be important because they said they were finished with that step in the process. The Italian team complained that the Swiss team required fixed dates for everything and only cared about keeping the schedule.

ACTIVE VOCABULARY

10. Match the following words (taken from text 8) (1–11) to their definitions (a–k).

1) shipping and handling a) failure

COMPREHENSION

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

1.Why did the Italian manufacturing company hire the Swiss engineering company?

2.How many phases did the plan have that the companies agreed on? In what phase would they decide on the Italian company’s software needs?

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