Vocabulary

Ex 6. Choose the best definition for the underlined word in the sentences from the text.

1) The parallels between the behaviour of corporate executives and that of great apes are uncanny.

a) similarities b) differences с) distinctions

2) The spectacular collapse of the supposed alliance of drug giants GlaxoWellcome and SmithKline Beecham is a textbook example.

a) unusual b) interesting с) perfect

3) The deal gave the companies a drugs research and development budget more than twice the size of their closest rivals.

a) competitors b) partners с) friends

4) Corporate egos cause problems but they seem to be inevitable in a business culture that prizes drive, determination and leadership above all.

a) unavoidable b) impossible с) likely

5) Having the strength of personality and the ability to outmanoeuvre others is a fundamental prerequisite to climb to the top of the corporate ladder.

a) step b) problem с) requirement

6) The problems only appear when they have to get together with peers in their organisation who don’t share their views.

a) people who hold higher positions b) people who hold lower positions

с) people who hold similar positions.

7) Then clashes are inevitable.

a) solutions b) strong differences of opinion с) long discussions

8) In the corporate jungle, the question is now whether the imperatives of shareholders can control the egos of managers.

a) urgent demands b) instructions с) strong personalities

Listening

Ex 7. Read the following short text to get familiar with the situation and get ready for the listening task.

It is generally agreed that successful meetings make successful companies.

However, many professionals complain that meetings are often unproductive and too long. Discussions are regularly dominated by participants with large egos and hours of talking ends without any clear result. Consequently, many companies get help from specialised consultants, who give advice on how to make meetings more effective.

Ex 8. a) You will hear a consultant giving advice about meetings. Listen and take notes to help you complete the passage below.

b) In groups, use your notes to complete the passage.

If a meeting is to be productive it should have 1 a clear and stated purpose that all the participants know and understand. You should appoint a2 ___________ who manages and controls the meeting.

You must write an 3____________________, or list of items to be discussed and send it 4__________________. They should 5______________________ and come to it with ideas to contribute.

You have to 6_______________ to each point, otherwise there is a risk that some of the items will not be dealt with at all.

You ought to 7_________________. If not you have to 8____________ into the agenda.

You don't need to 9___________________. But you should send other senior staff members 10_____________________, or summary of what was discussed.

The minutes should include 11______________ you don't have to 12____________. However, you need to include 13_________________ decided upon at the meeting. Lastly, the minutes should 14________________. It is essential to keep the 15____________ clear in everyone's mind.

Ex 9. Match the expressions a-j below to the following things that a chairperson should do:

Has everyone got that? Shall we move on? As I see it, we seem to be saying ... Could you let us have the exact figures for Friday? What exactly do you mean? So what we've finally decided on is ... We'll have to move on I'm afraid. Thanks for coming everyone. What do you think of that, Mr... ? Thanks very much everyone, that was very useful.

open the meeting keep things moving keep an eye on time make sure everyone stays focused invite contributions summarise regularly seek clarification summarise agreed action points allocate action points and establish deadlines close the meeting

Ex 10. a) Match the expressions a-l below to the following things that participants should do:

I’m convinced that... How about... I’m all in favour of that. Why don’t we ... I’m afraid I don’t accept that at all. So what you are suggesting is ... Could you explain that in more detail? I’m sorry but I don’t agree at all. I quite agree. The way I see it is ... Am I right in thinking that ...? In other words you are saying ...

express agreement express disagreement make suggestions summarise arguments ask for clarification present arguments

b) What other expressions do you know?

Role-play

Ex 11. Read the text and make notes about the situation.

Your company is negotiating an alliance with a company which insists that employees only work 35 hours per week. If your company goes ahead with the alliance, the employees will not have to take a salary cut but they will not be allowed to work overtime. Ordinary workers, who often work overtime to earn extra money, will therefore lose some of their earning potential. Executives in the company who are not paid overtime will be less concerned about that, but the 35-hour week will have other consequences for them, if they don't have enough time to complete their projects, they will have to share power and control with new employees who will need to be brought in to meet work demands.

Ex 12. In groups, you will be given a role to play. Read the agenda and your role carefully. Then prepare how you will express your opinions and suggestions at the meeting. Be prepared to agree and disagree with the other participants.

Ex 13. In groups, conduct the meeting. Every member should take notes in order to write a full report on the meeting later. Feel free to add other opinions and recommendations.

Writing

Ex 14. Using the notes you took at the meeting, write the minutes. Remember the minutes of a meeting should include:

• a summary of the chairperson's introduction

• a summary of the opinions and suggestions made by the participants

• the action points that were decided upon

• the people involved in carrying out the action points

• the deadlines that were fixed

• the date and time of the next meeting