DynEd International, Inc. |
DynEd International, Inc. |
The Functioning in Business radio course will help you learn American business English through listening to business meetings and discussions and to interviews with American business people.
With your radio host, Elizabeth Moore, you will follow the story of an important business trip. You will listen to conversations which introduce vocabulary and expressions used to conduct business in English. You will also listen to Business Dialogs which present many kinds of business situations.
Our business and culture expert, Gary Engleton, will offer Culture Tips about American business culture. Gary will also focus on important language functions used in business and social situations.
This week on Functioning in Business, Mr. Mike Epstein and Ms. Shirley Graham (of Advanced Technologies) continue to discuss Mr. Blake's proposal.
Mr. Epstein believes that it is worth the risk to do business with Mr. Blake's company because they have the best technology. Ms. Graham doesn't feel that they can afford to take the risk.
| Mr. Epstein: | I can't understand why you disagree with this. It's very clear. |
| Ms. Graham: | And I think you've done a very good job. But I think that there are more disadvantages than advantages. I'm sorry, Mike. But I'm afraid that the decision just isn't going to go your way. |
| Mr. Epstein: | But what about his report tomorrow? Shouldn't we listen to his final proposal before we make a decision? |
| Ms. Graham: | Oh ... you're probably right. I want to be fair to him. |
| Mr. Epstein: | So do I. |
"Why do American workers disagree so openly with their bosses?"
Occasional disagreement between a boss and a subordinate is a sign of a good relationship in American companies. It means that they respect each other enough to be honest. Americans tend to look down on a "yes man," a subordinate who always says yes to the boss. A company needs people who will disagree with a bad policy.
Of course, not all disagreement is constructive. Disagreement is constructive if it contributes to the good of the company. A worker who disagrees with everything and never compromises can be very bad for a company. Unless people come to some agreement, they cannot move forward together.
If you have questions about American business and culture, write to gary@dyned.com.
Two members of the Board of Directors of a large construction company are meeting to choose a new CEO.
| Sam: | Sue, we can't hire Amy Johnstone! She has no experience leading a company! |
| Sue: | I don't agree, Sam! She was President of Jackson Supplies for six years |
| Sam: | That company is very small! And she has no experience in international sales. |
| Sue: | But what about her position at Global Construction, Inc.? She was head of sales in Latin America. |
| Sam: | That's true. But didn't they go bankrupt? |
| Sue: | That wasn't her fault. The quality of their products was really poor. |
| Sam: | I don't think that's true! They had a terrible marketing plan! |
| Sue: | Oh, I disagree! They had some very creative ideas. |
| Sam: | But does she have the ability to lead us? |
| Sue: | Well, our main problems are in marketing and sales. Those are her strong areas. |
| Sam: | I really can't accept that. |
| Sue: | Look. This discussion isn't going anywhere. Let's talk to Mary. She's in Sales and she worked with Amy Johnstone at Jackson Supplies. Maybe she'll be able to help us decide. |
| Sam: | OK. That's a good idea. |
Functioning in Business will teach you about how to use English in business and social situations.
This week's lessons focus on Disagreeing. Here are some examples:
Listen to Functioning in Business on the Voice of America radio network, then answer this week's question.
When will Mr. Blake present his final proposal to Ms. Graham?
Send your answer to max@dyned.com.
Last week's Question of the Week: Who has been looking for new technology for Advanced Technologies' new factory?
Answer: Mr. Epstein has been looking for technology for the new factory.
Each week you will receive e-mail Study Tips, news, and activities. Join today!
The Functioning in Business radio course is based on DynEd's Functioning in Business courseware and the Functioning in Business textbook, by P. Lance Knowles and Francis Bailey, published by Longman.
For more information about DynEd courseware, contact sales@dyned.com.
If you have any questions or comments,write to elizabeth@dyned.com.
Week: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26
DynEd-VOA Radio English Courses
Copyright © 2005 DynEd International, Inc.