Section D
Directions: Read the passage carefully. Then answer the questions or complete the statements in the fewest possible words.
In today’s world, the most successful companies are the ones who understand how important it is to make contacts around the world. However, doing business in different countries is very rarely simple. It is important to be aware of the local customs and traditions of the people you are dealing with, which is the best way to impress your hosts.
One example that comes to mind is of a German company that recently tried to gain a new contract in South Korea. The German visitors arrived at the Korean company’s office early in the morning and spent the whole day in long meetings. By the evening, the Germans were so tired that they politely declined the Korean’s invitation to go out for dinner and drinks, since they wanted to return to their hotel and get some rest. The Germans did not understand that in South Korea business talks often continue into the evening. The Germans only came to realize that they offended their hosts after they had lost the contract.
In Europe or the USA, business is rarely discussed into the evening. However, it is important to be on time for a meeting. If you are late, your hosts may think you do not care. In fact, it is better to arrive at least ten minutes before the meeting starts. This way, you can show how keen you are to do business with them, and you will also have time to talk with your hosts before you sit down to discuss business.
However, in many countries meetings may not start on time. There are a number of reasons for this, such as transport difficulties due to poor roads, unusual weather and the cost of cars. Sometimes the time of day is also important. In South America and many countries in southern Europe, people have a short sleep for a couple of hours after lunch. Therefore, if you try to arrange a meeting for the early afternoon, you may find that not many people will attend, or that you hosts will be in a bad mood.
(Note: Answer the questions or complete the statements in NO MORE THAN TWELVE WORDS.)
81. In Korea, what confuses many western businessmen is _______.
_____________________________________________________________________________
82. In the West, what does a businessman do if he wants to show a keen attitude to the business in
a negotiation?
_____________________________________________________________________________
83. Where is it common for people to have a nap after lunch?
_____________________________________________________________________________
84. According to the passage, it can be concluded that _______ helps a company make good
contacts in different countries.
_____________________________________________________________________________
