Text 1. Be ready for a comprehension check-up.

UNIT 9.

What makes a good project team?

Ex.3. Insert the appropriate words.

Ex.2. Match and discuss the expressions below.

Dutch treat money earned quickly and easily (dishonestly)

face value something where each person pays their own share

hand to mouth be a thief

fast buck not have much money

hard up having only enough money for basic living

have sticky fingers the worth/ price printed on bond or paper money etc.

B.1. We went to the movie as a Dutch treat so it didn't cost me much money. 2.The face value of the stamp was very low but in reality it was worth a lot of money. 3. The company tried to make a fast buck on the property but they actually lost a lot of money. 4. My friend has been living from hand to mouth since he lost his job. 5. His brother is hard up for money and always wants to borrow some. 6. The new employee has sticky fingers and many things in the store have disappeared.

1. The takeover process is often described in terms of one animal hunting another: a company or individual seeking to take over another company may be referred to as... and the target company as....

2. Predators are also referred to as....

3.An organization that has undergone process of... is... and its hierarchy flat.

4. Organizations say that they are eliminating middle levels of their hierarchies so as to... ordinary employees.

5.... is when a company helps people it is making redundant find new jobs in other organizations.

(lean, (corporate) raiders, empower, downsizing, a predator, outplacement, the prey)

Ex.4. Do the following quiz about project teams. Discuss and compare your answers.

1. A good project manager...

a) is always friendly and easy-going.

b) must be the most senior person in the team.

c) spends time developing a team spirit.

2. For decisions to be reached in a project team,...

a) there needs to be total consensus.

b) majority rule is an efficient and fair system.

c) what the project manager says goes.

3. In terms of timing, a successful project...

a) will always stick to schedule.

b) may run over schedule if the need arises.

c) always takes muchh longer than expected.

4. The biggest problems for the a project team are...

a) competing goals between team members.

b) unclear team roles and overlapping duties.

c) lack of clearly defined objectives for the project.

Being a Manager in Russia (I)

Intercultural adaptability is essential when working in Russia and you need to understand the importance of an open and honest approach. It is important to establish your credentials and authority quickly since Russians respect both status and technical expertise. Although they value firmness and dignity, it is advisable to appear approachable and friendly as well.

Management in countries of the former Soviet Union is a complex, constantly evolving state-of-affairs, each country moving towards a market economy (with its accompanying protocols) at a different pace.

Role of a Manager. Cross cultural communication will be more successful if you recognize that although Russians may initially appear stiff and reserved, they often warm up when socializing. Relationships are often developed in after-hours socializing. Most Russians do not trust people who are "all business". Meals and entertainment provide a venue to get to know you as a person. An indication that you have successfully developed a personal relationship is being asked for a favor by that person.

Although courtesy is important in all business relationships, this is especially true in Russia. Businesspeople have long memories for behavior they deem insensitive. Small slights that might be overlooked elsewhere are remembered here.

Approach to Change. Russia has a low tolerance for change and risk. Intercultural sensitivity is important as while in risk tolerant environments, failure is perceived as a learning process that encourages confidence in future ventures, failure in Russia causes a long-term loss of confidence by the individual as well as by others.

Approach to Time and Priorities. Russia is a moderate time culture and traditionally schedules and deadlines are viewed as flexible. However, the expectations of intercultural and global expansion have caused the Russians to adopt relatively strict standards of adhering to schedules.

When working with people from Russia, it’s advisable to reinforce the importance of the agreed-upon deadlines and how that may affect the rest of the organization. Successful cross cultural management will depend on the individual’s ability to meet deadlines.

Ex.1. Complete these sentences using a suitable idiom from the box in the correct form.

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