| Vary | to continue for a particular distance, time; make sth bigger |
| Assess | the most important thing that needs attention before anything else |
| priority | to have an important or noticeable effect on someone or something |
| Extend | to have sth in your mind as a plan or a purpose |
| Mature | fully grown physically and mentally |
| Intend | to be different from each other |
| Impact | to make a judgment about a person or situation after thinking carefully about it |
Explain the meaning of the following words and word combinations from the text.
Elitism, superior, to conflict with, matrix management, humiliation, reveal their inadequacies, pay-for-performance, seniority.
Find the words word combinations with similar meaning.
To take into consideration, influence, put up with, on purpose.
5. The word ‘selection’ is combined with a number of other words, all with similar meanings (e.g. approaches to selection). Find other combinations starting with ‘selection’.
6. The word ‘skill’ is often used in connection with job performance. It can be defined as ‘the ability to do something well, especially because you have learned and practiced it’. In the article several other words are used with a similar meaning. What are they?
Understanding main points.
Mark these statements T (true) or F (false) according to the information in the text. Find the part of the text that gives the correct information.
Many international organizations have decentralized selection.
They look for different personal qualities in different cultures.
The 'SWAN' criteria have international validity.
The definition of some qualities can lead to cultural misunderstandings.
Mobility and language capability are clearly understood across cultures.
Understanding details.
The text states that different cultures look for different qualities when selecting personnel. Match the cultures with the qualities or attributes according to the text.
Anglo-Saxon (UK, USA, Australia etc.)
Germanic
Latin
Far Eastern
● being able to fit in with the organization
● having the relevant kind of education for the job
● having the right intellectual or technical capabilities
● having good interpersonal skills
● having attended the 'top' universities in the country
● being able to carry out relevant tasks and jobs
Word search.
Find at least five methods for testing or assessing a candidate's suitability for a job (e.g. assessment centres) which are mentioned in the text.
For discussion.
- Make a list of qualities and skills that you think an international manager should have. Divide your list into technical skills and interpersonal skills
- What are the best ways to measure or evaluate technical skills or interpersonal skills?
- Every organization has its own distinctive culture, and this can vary enormously from company to company. To an outsider, corporate culture differences are usually reflected in external symbols or characteristics, such as advertising and design. Other characteristics of corporate culture are only observable when you get inside the company as an employee or a supplier, such as the kind of dress worn by staff or the use of the first names. Try to think of some other characteristics of corporate culture based on companies that you know.
C. Group Discussion. Brainstorm Ideas
➢ What are the different methods a company can use to find new employees? Which are you most familiar with? Which do you think are most effective? Can you suggest some new ones which can be exceptionally efficient for our country?
D. Watching and Listening
²Ways of Entering Markets
Miguel Adao works for health insurance company CIGNA. Tong Jan is involved in promoting closer relations between the UK and his home province in China.
