Unit 1. Business across cultures

“Dealing with people is probably the biggest problem you face, especially if you are in business. Yes, and that is also true if you are a housewife, architect or engineer”. Dale Carnegie

Section I

Introduction

1. What do you miss most about your own culture when you go abroad?

2. Why is cultural awareness important for businesspeople? Give examples.

3. What is culture? Choose the four factors that you think are the most important in creating a culture. Give your reasons.

climate behaviour and attitudes institutions architecture historical events social customs and traditions geography ceremonies and art festivals language religion cuisine

4. If you could be sent anywhere in the world to work, which country would you choose? What aspects of its culture do you particularly like?

SECTION II

READING COMPREHENSION

TEXT A

DEALING WITH PEOPLE

Read this article and learn the words and phrases in bold.

In business, people have to deal in person with all kinds of people. You may have to use English when talking to different people within your company who don't speak your language: these may be colleagues or co-workers, superiors or subordinates - who may work with you in your own department, in another part of the building or in another branch. And you may also have to deal in English with people from outside the organization: clients, suppliers, visitors and members of the public. Moreover, these people may be friends, acquaintances or strangers - people of your own age, or people who are younger or older than you. The relationship you have with a person determines the kind of language you use.

This relationship may even affect what you say when you meet people: for example, it's not appropriate to say “Hi, how are you!” when meeting the Managing Director of a large company or to say “Good morning, it's a great pleasure to meet you” when being introduced to a person you'll be working closely with in the same team.

Remember that people form an impression of you from the way you speak and behave - not just from the way you do your work. People in different countries have different ideas of what sounds friendly, polite or sincere - and of what sounds rude or unfriendly! Good manners in your culture may be considered bad manners in another.

Remember also that your body language, gestures and expression may tell people more about you than the words you use.

1. Define the following:

1. co-workers

2. superiors

3. subordinates

4. colleagues

5. body language

6. verbal behaviour

7. public relations

8. national stereotype

2. Answer the following questions:

1. What impression do you try to give to the people you deal with in business?

2. What impression do you try not to give?

3. What do you find difficult or enjoyable about talking to

1. someone you have never met before?

2. a superior or head of department?

3. someone who is considerably older than you?

4. people from different countries?

5. a large group of people?