Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Listening
Listening
LISTENING
Part 1: 10 questions/statements (10 Appropriate/
OVERVIEW Inappropriate responses)
OF THE Part 2: 05 Short Conversations (10 multiple choice
questions)
LISTENING
Part 3: 03 Short Talks (9 multiple choice questions)
TEST
Part 4: A long talk or lecture (11 gap filling questions)
Total: 40 Questions
Think carefully about what the question is asking about. Some of the answers may be very close
to the subject of the question but are not direct answers.
Tip 1: Focus on keywords and avoid confusing words.
- Same word - Different meaning, unrelated
Q: Has the sale improved profits? A: Yes, it is for sale.
- Related Topics – Not Answers
Q: Where can I buy a cheap air conditioner? A: I agree that it is very cheap.
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EXERCISE 1: Listen and complete each sentence with NO MORE THAN TWO
words.
1.………………..did the flight from Hong Kong arrive so late?
A ……………….., it’s a direct flight.
B. Probably ………………..the weather.
C. I’ve been there ………………...
2.……………….. did you leave the blue folder?
A. She leaves at ………………..
B. On your ………………...
C. I folded the ………………...
3. ……………….. in charge of scheduling employee’s work shifts?
A. From ……………….. to five
B. Several ………………..
C. The ………………..
4.……………….. these paint colors would best in the hallway?
A. My ……………….. is the yellow.
B. ……………….., it’s just down the hall.
C. I didn’t ……………….. what she looked like.
5.……………….. can we meet the project deadline?
A. We’ll have to work ………………...
B. Can you ……………….. the projector?
C. The………………..went too long.
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EXERCISE 2: Listen and complete each sentence with NO MORE THAN TWO words.
1. Could you help me ______ my sunglasses?
A. Where did you ______ them last?
B. A few more ______.
C. The ______ begins next month.
2. Do you need help getting that box ______ from the top shelf?
A. I’ll just use a ______.
B. The ______ was free.
C. His office is ______.
3. Are there any ______ on your company’s design team?
A. The new design is very ______.
B. We’re ______ until seven o’clock.
C. You’re ______ to fill out an application.
4. Have you ________ the new manager?
A. Yes, she seems very ________.
B. Yes, I agree.
C. It’s completely full.
5. How much are the repairs going to ______ us?
A. A week at least
B. A lot ________ than they said at first.
C. I hope so.
EXERCISE 3: Listen to complete the exchanges with ONE word in each gap.
1. ________ did the last train get in? 6. ________ does Irving look so tired?
A. Platform ________. A. No, I wasn’t there.
B. It’s getting ________. B. Yes, I have been really tired
C. Around ________. C. He’s been working ________.
2. What are you doing for your ________? 7. Are there any ________ for me?
A. We’re ________ it with us. A. Yes, just ________.
B. I’ll probably go to ________ again. B. I’d like one, too
C. No. I don’t think I’ll do it. C. It was very relaxing.
3. Are you ________ tomorrow? 8. ________ did you leave your job?
A. No, on the bus A. Yes, he works hard
B. Yes, but not ________ 10:30. B. I ________ more responsibility.
C. I saw that, too. C. At the end of April.
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4. ________ did you do on your exam? 9. Do you know ________ the meeting will be?
A. I don’t think so A. Yes, it’s in Jane’s ________.
B. Everyone did. B. I know him quite well
C. Very ________, thanks. C. No, this afternoon.
5. ________ are you going for lunch? 10. What kind of ________ do they serve?
A. With Sally. A. I prefer lunch.
B. I haven’t ________ yet. B. I heard all about it.
C. In about an hour. C. Very good ________ food.
EXERCISE 4: Match each question on the left (1-3) with the two best response on
the right (a-f). The first one is done for you. The words commonly used in each category
are in bold.
Offers:
1. Would you like some help with a. Actually, it’s already done
those? b. No, I’ve already eaten
2. Do you need (any) help with c. Yeah, could you take this box?
setting up the room? d. A cup of tea would be lovely.
3. Can/May I get you anything? e. No, that’s alright. They aren’t as heavy as they look.
f. That would be great. Let’s start with the tables.
Requests:
1. Could/can you tell me how to use this a. Actually, I’m a bit cold
machine? b. I’m afraid it’s not mine.
2. Would you mind if I opened the window? c. Certainly, it’s pretty easy
3. May/Can/Could I borrow your pen for a d. Sure, give it back after class
moment? e. I’m sorry, I haven’t been trained on it yet
f. No, go ahead.
Opinions:
a. I don’t think we’ll find a lower one.
1. How was Mr. Smith’s presentation? b. Frankly, our sales staff isn’t motivated.
2. What’s your opinion of their price c. To tell the truth, it seemed a bit long.
quote? d. I’d say we need to lower our prices.
3. What would you say is our greatest e. Good. He really is an amusing speaker.
weakness? f. It seems a bit high to me.
PART 1
Directions: In this part, you will hear 10 questions and statements in work environment.
You will hear each conversation TWICE. For each question/statement, you can read its
answer or response. In boxes 1-10 on the answer sheet, write
A (Appropriate) if the answer/response is logical and suitable to the question/ statement
you hear.
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Q. A/I Q. A/I
1 6
2 7
3 8
4 9
5 10
In this part of the test, test takers will listen to four short dialogues between a man and a woman,
followed by three questions for each dialogue. The questions are mainly about the purpose, the
time, the location and the details of the conversations.
TYPES OF QUESTIONS
Overview questions
What are the speakers discussing?
What are the speakers talking about?
What is the conversation about?
What is the purpose of the phone call?
Location questions and occupation questions
Who most likely is the man/woman?
Who is the woman calling?
Who is the man speaking with?
Who are the speakers?
Where does the conversation probably take place?
Where most likely are the speakers?
Detail questions: What, why, how, when
What is the woman’s problem?
What is the concerned about?
What does the man say about Mary?
What does the woman suggest?
What does the man recommend?
What will the speakers do next?
What will the woman probably do next?
What is scheduled to take place next week?
What was the man not able to do?
Why was the meeting canceled?
Why did he delay the meeting?
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EXERCISE 6
1. What did the man order?
A. A coffee maker B. A copy machine
C. A voice recorder D. A fax machine
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EXERCISE 7
1. What does the man want the woman to do? 3. What does the woman want?
A. Visit some customers A. To share a ride
B. Send some packages B. To go shopping
C. Attend a meeting C. To borrow Eric’s car
D. Give him some names D. To look at new cars
2. What does the woman request? 4. What will the man do?
A. A list of addresses A. Visit the woman’s company
B. The time of a delivery B. Show the woman to the bus stop
C. The location of a meeting C. Repair the woman’s car
D. A map of the city D. Drive the woman to the central office
5. What does the man suggest the woman 7. What is the problem with the man’ s
should do? watch?
A. Visit the theater A. It needs a new battery
B. Move her vehicle B. The glass is broken
C. Lock her car C. It does not keep time correctly
D. Enter the building D. It is expensive to repair
6. Why was the sign not visible? 8. When will the watch finally be
A. It was around a corner ready?
B. It had fallen over A. On Monday
C. It was hidden by a tree B. On Tuesday
D. It was behind a van C. On Wednesday
D. On Thursday
EXERCISE 8
1. Where do the speakers most likely work? 3. What type of event are the speakers
A. At an advertising firm discussing?
B. At a bank A. A theater performance
C. At a law office B. A museum exhibit opening
D. At a travel agency C. A photography workshop
2. What does the woman mean when she D. A live music concert
says, “I really can’t say”?
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A. She is not allowed to repeat certain 4. What does the woman suggest the man do?
information. A. Leave work early
B. She cannot make a commitment yet. B. Call a coworker
C. She should leave for an appointment. C Pay with a credit card
D. She has to correct some errors in a report. D. Rent some equipment
5. What problem does the company have? 7. Where most likely does the woman work?
A. Customer reviews have been negative. A. At a utility company
B. Product sales have gone down. B. At a moving company
C. Some deliveries have been lost. C. At an employment firm
D. Office space is limited. D. At a real estate agency
6. What does the woman suggest? 8. What information does the woman
A. Hiring new employees request?
B. Offering product discounts A. The timing of a visit
C. Purchasing updated equipment B. The name of a supervisor
D. Starting an online advertising campaign C. The amount of a bill
D. The measurements of a room
9. What are the speakers discussing? 10. Why is the woman leaving her office?
A. A branch of the company A. She has to meet her account
B. A medical exam B. She has to go to a hospital
C. Some tax documents C. She has a meeting on Parker street
D. A new address D. She needs to buy a fax machine
EXERCISE 9
1. Why did the serviceman not come in the morning?
A. He was busy with another call B. He was too ill to come to work
C. He was held up by an emergency D. He was delayed by a server problem
2. When is the replacement technician supposed to leave?
A. 8:00 a.m. B. 9:30 a.m.
C. 10:00 a.m. D. 12:00 p.m.
3. What does the woman ask the man to do?
A. Write a proposal B. Call a client
C. Organize the meeting D. Make a presentation
4. What is the purpose of the meeting?
A. To resolve a technician issue B. To discuss the latest financial report
C. To solve a problem with management D. To talk about a possible deal
5. How long is the Design Expo this year?
A. Two days B. Three days
C. Four days D. Five days
6. What does the woman suggest the man do?
A. Request more time off work B. Set up a display at the expo
C. Not attend the expo this year D. Ask a friend to go along with him
7. Why does the woman want to speak with Tracy?
A. To apply for a job B. To ask for a discount
C. To request her phone number D. To suggest hiring more workers
8. What does the woman say she will do next?
A. Send an email B. Check the budget
C. Make a phone call D. Do some extra work
9. What does the man want to know?
A. Whether he will be transferred B. How Ms. Cole got a new desk
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C. What happened to Ms. Cole D. When the boss will leave for San Francisco
10. Where is Ms. Cole now?
A. In San Francisco B. At a going-away party
C. In another department D. In the manager’s office
EXERCISE 10
1. Why is the woman calling?
A. To discuss recent bad weather B. To discuss a shipment
C. To discuss container ships D. To discuss stock supplies
2. How long were the ships held up at the airport?
A. 7 days B. 10 days
C. 25 days D. 30 days
3. What is being discussed?
A. A logistic strategy B. A design submission
C. A meeting agenda D. A merger proposal
4. What is causing the delay?
A. The high number of proposals B. Detailed planning
C. The renovation work D. The winter holidays.
5. What are the speakers mainly discussing?
A. New products B. Delivery problems
C. Marketing strategies D. Business finance
6. What will the woman probably do next?
A. Contact some companies B. Send an estimate
C. Talk to a department manager D. Review the sales figures
7. Where most likely does the woman suggest going?
A. To a park B. To a coffee shop
C. To a restaurant D. To a sandwich
8. What does the man say about the Blue Moon?
A. It is too far from the office B. It does not deliver
C. It is too expensive D. It is too crowded
9. What does the woman want to do?
A. Buy a blouse B. Pay for a shirt
C. Exchange a skirt D. Try on a suit
10. What color does the woman want?
A. Black B. white
C. Red D. Gray
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EXERCISE 12
1. Where would you hear this type of announcement?
A. At a sports center B. At stadium
C. At a hospital D. At a museum
2. What will happen on October 15
A. The swimming pool will reopen B. The fitness room will be closed
C. The timetable will be revised D. The new website will go online
3. What can the listeners find on the website?
A. The location B. The club fees
C. A timetable D A discount coupon
4. Where does the speaker most likely work?
A. at the telephone company B. At a travel agency
C. At a computer manufacturer D. At a hospital
5. When will the offer end?
A. November 24th B. November 21st
C. December 21 st D. December 24th
6. How much do customers pay each month?
A. 20 dollars B. 21 dollars
C. 24 dollars D. 26 dollars
EXERCISE 13
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EXERCISE 14
1. Why is the audience gathered?
A. To exhibit designs for a building B. To raise money for a project
C. To celebrate the opening of a hall D. To ask for additional donations
2. What has Mr. Collin done?
A. Designed a building B. Given money to the project
C. Donated land D. Offered to perform
3. What will probably happen next?
A. A closing ceremony B. A musical performance
C. A welcome dinner D. A city meeting
4. What is the main purpose of this talk?
A. To introduce a speaker B. To inform listeners of a new company
C. To arrange a seminar D. To promote a university
5. Who is Dr Alana Miles?
A. A publisher B. An entertainer
C. A university professor D. A medical doctor
6. What did Dr. Miles do five years ago?
A. She studied public relations B. She arranged a seminar
C. She promoted a university D. She had a book published
7. Where is the speaker?
A. At a sports event B. At a restaurant
C. At a sales meeting D. At a park
8. What is the speaker talking about?
A. An employee picnic B. A special meal
C. A successful marketing campaign D. A sales presentation
9. Who is Julie Kavner?
A. An event planner B. A successful manager
C. A new chef D. A salesperson
EXERCISE 15
1. What does the advertised business sell?
A. Plants trees B. Clothes
C. Coffee D. Sporting goods
2. When will the lessons begin?
A. This Monday B. Next week
C. At the end of this month D. At the beginning of next month
3. What is located across from the advertised business?
A. A café B. A shoe store
C. A golf course D. A school
4. What is advertisement for?
A. A new restaurant B. A lunch menu
C. A beverage D. A health club
5. What is convenient about the product?
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EXERCISE 16
1. What will the temperature be tonight?
A. Below 0 degree B. About 17 degrees
C. Between 0-and 10-degrees D. Over 20 degrees
2. What will the weather be like on the weekend?
A. Sunny B. Rainy
C. Cold D. Overcast
3. What will listeners hear next?
A. A review of the top news stories B. The long-term weather forecast
C. A commercial break D. Current sports news
4. What is causing the problem?
A. Hot weather conditions B. Watering lawns
C. A decrease in temperature D. Local farmers
5. What does the speaker suggest?
A. Voting in a local election B. Limiting water usage
C. Planting a garden D. Making reservations
6. When are temperatures expected to rise?
A. On Monday B. On Friday
C. On Saturday D. On Sunday
7. What is the subject of today’s program?
A. A new film B. The movie industry
C. Local elections D. Popular directors
8. What will happen after the interview?
A. A new announcer will be introduced
B. Election results will be announced
C. Listeners will call the radio station with questions
D. The host will introduce a guest host
9. Who will be the host for tomorrow’s program?
A. Stephanie Spielburg B. An independent film director
C. The speaker’s co-host D. A relative of the regular host
EXERCISE 17
1. What is the report about?
A. The company’s financial condition B. The shutdown of a factory
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C. The introduction of a new car model D. The state of the local economy
2. How many jobs will be lost?
A. 250 B. 350
C. 450 D. 550
3. What will the company be offering?
A. Job training B. Job transfers
C. Financial compensation D. Overseas work
4. What is the report about?
A. A financial crisis B. A traffic delay
C. A subway line opening D. A local suburb
5. When did the project begin?
A. A year ago B. 2 years ago
C. 4 years ago D. 5 years ago
6. What delayed the project?
A. A protest by local residents B. A malfunction with machinery
C. A shortage of travelers D. A lack of money
7. What is the report about?
A. A newly elected governor B. A new ferry service
C. A plan to build a bridge D. A traffic problem
8. How frequently does the Channel Link run?
A. Every 15 minutes B. Every 20 minutes
C. Every 30 minutes D. Every hour
9. What did the city say about the Channel Link?
A. It will make commuting by car less attractive
B. It will require extra funds to operate
C. It will require the construction of a bridge
D. It will save money for the city
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There are several Internet sites which list terms related to academic themes like the
Internet. Some of them are a bit technical but not all. Go to them to check that you know
all the words.
Find notices, leaflets, etc., related to the topic you are practicing such as use of the
Internet in you college/place of study/work. Find the words related to the Internet that
they contain.
Read magazines on the topic you are studying, for example the Internet. They needn’t be
too technical.
Put all new words you find into your vocabulary record.
Go through your vocabulary record and mark the main stress on each word. If you’re not
sure, check it in a dictionary. Say the words out loud to yourself or a friend, or record
yourself saying them.
This site www.ted.com/talks contains lots of talks on all kinds of subjects. Listen in to
some that interest you. Identify the main ideas the speaker is talking about.
EXERCISE 19: Read the unfinished statement below and the three possible ways
of completing the idea. What does the word although signal?
Although a great deal has been achieved in the area of cancer research, …
EXERCISE 20: Now read the unfinished statements in the speech balloons 1 and
2 below and the three possible endings for each. Say which of the endings (A-C) to 1 and 2
are correct and then say why the other two are not possible.
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EXERCISE 21: Look at the list of “directions” in Box A and then match them to
the signpost words in Box B and Box C.
A Directions
1. Signalling a contrast or opposite
2. Introducing an example
3. Giving a reason (cause and effect)
4. Providing extra information
5. Setting out the stages of a talk/ signalling a sequence
6. Signalling an explanation or result
B. Signpost words within a sentence C. Signpost words which link two sentences
although / even though / despite / even if On the one hand … but on the other hand,
also / so / but / while / because / unlike In addition / For instance /Consequently
/ First of all / Lastly / Then / However
whereas / as well as / like / such as For example / By contrast / In other words
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This kind of information helps us to predict and resolve problems that could affect the world we
live in. (11) ____________ we don't keep all this information confidential.
We then need to publish our findings so that other people can access it and be informed by it.
And one way in which this information can be published is in the form of maps. You'll all have
used one at some stage of your life already. (12) ____________ ____________ the benefits of maps from
a geographer's perspective.
Maps can be folded and put in a pocket and can provide a great store of reference when they're
collected into an atlas. They can depict the physical features of the entire planet if necessary,
(13) ____________, just a small part of it in much greater detail. But there is a drawback. You can't
exactly replicate something that is three-dimensional, (14) ____________ our planet, on a flat piece
of paper.
EXERCISE 23: Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each
answer.
Studying geography helps us to understand:
• the effects of different processes on the 1…………………….. of the Earth
• the dynamic between 2………………………….. and population
Two main branches of study:
• physical features
• human lifestyles and their 3……………………….
Specific study areas: biophysical, topographic, political, social, economic,
historical and 4……………………… geography, and also cartography
Key point: geography helps us to understand our surroundings and the
associated 5………………………..
What do geographers do?
• find data - e.g. conduct censuses, collect information in the form of
6 …………………………. using computer and satellite technology
analyse data - identify 7………………………………, e.g. cause and effect
publish findings in form of:
a) maps
- easy to carry
- can show physical features of large and small areas
- BUT a two-dimensional map will always have some 8 ........................
b) aerial photos
- can show vegetation problems, 9 . .......................... density, ocean floor etc.
c) Landsat pictures sent to receiving stations
- used for monitoring 10 ........................ - conditions etc.
EXERCISE 24: As we can see from the talk above, sometimes signpost words can
be a phrase or a sentence. Listen and complete the talk below with signpost phrases.
In public discussion of business, we take certain values for granted. (1) ______________________ four
of them: collaboration, hard work, creativity and excellence. Most people would say they're all
'good things'. I'm going to suggest that's an over-simple view.
(2) ___________________________ they're theoretical concepts, removed from the reality of day-to-day
business.
Business loaders generally try to do the right thing. (3) __________________ the right thing backfires.
... The values can easily get in the way of what's actually intended.
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OK. (4) ____________________________ I'm going to discuss is collaboration. Er, (5) _______________ you
an example.
This was intended to encourage teamwork. (6) __________________ a job best done by one person.
My point is that the task wasn't really suited to teamworking, (7) __________________
Teamwork can also lead to inconsistency - a common cause of poor sales. (8) ____________________a
smartphone that a certain company launched, one director wanted to target the business
market, and another demanded it was aimed at consumers.
(9) ____________________. It's easy to mock people who say they work hard: after all, a hamster
running around in a wheel is working hard – and getting nowhere.
(10) ________________ creativity. This often works well – creating an attention-grabbing TV
commercial, for example, might lead to increased sales.
(11) ________________, excellence. We all know companies that claim they 'strive for excellence',
but it takes a long time to achieve excellence.
EXERCISE 25: Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS
Four business values
Many business values can result in 1 ...............................
Senior managers need to understand and deal with the potential
2............................ - that may result.
Collaboration
During a training course, the speaker was in a team that had to build a
3…………………………. .
Other teams experienced 4………………………… from trying to collaborate.
The speaker's team won because they reduced collaboration
Sales of a 5 …………………………….. were poor because of collaboration.
Industriousness
Hard work may be a bad use of various company 6 …………………………… .
The word "lazy' in this context refers to people who avoid doing tasks that
are 7………………………… .
Creativity
An advertising campaign for a 8………………………… was memorable but failed to
boost sales.
Creativity should be used as a response to a particular 9 ………………………… .
Excellence
According to one study, on average, pioneers had a 10………………………… that
was far higher than that of followers.
Companies that always aim at excellence may miss opportunities.
EXERCISE 26: Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each
answer.
Conflict at work
Conflict mostly consists of behaviour in the general category of 1 ……………………….
Often a result of people wanting to prove their 2……………………….
Also caused by differences in 3……………………… - between people
4 ‘………………………..’ conflicts: people more concerned about own team than about
company
Conflict-related stress can cause 5 …………………………… that may last for months
Chief Executives (CEOS)
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EXERCISE 27: Listen again and complete the transcript of the talk above with
NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
Over the years, attitudes towards workers have changed considerably. After all, there was a
time when workers had no rights at all and laboured in appalling conditions. Conditions have
improved a lot, but conflict in the workplace is still common. And human resources managers
nowadays need to be able to deal with it when necessary.
What is conflict in the workplace? Definitions vary, but I'm taking it to refer to a whole range
of behaviours that the victim finds unacceptable, from minor, harmless arguments to – at the
opposite extreme - (1)__________________. Much of this is covered by the term bullying, by which
I mean one or more people behaving abusively or aggressively against another who is in a
weaker position. Although all behaviour like this is a form of conflict, not all conflict can be
described in these terms.
As with all human behaviour, there are numerous reasons for it. But often it's caused by
someone who feels the need to show their (2) __________________ over someone else, in order to
feel that they aren't at the lowest level in a hierarchy or a group of people.
In some cases one person simply dislikes the other, on the basis that the (3)______________ of one
is in some way incompatible with that of the other person. A general habit of optimism in one
person could make them intolerant of a colleague who's constantly pessimistic – not that that
justifies treating them badly, of course.
Some conflicts arise when people are more interested in promoting themselves and their team
than in the company as a whole. These conflicts are called (4) “_______________” and could come
about, for example, when a sales team believe they are the only people in the business who do
any useful work, and look down on behind-the-scenes administrators.
Conflict obviously affects the individuals concerned – the situation is likely to be very (5)
_________________ for victims, resulting in their absence from work, possibly for months. For the
company, if no effort is made to deal with conflict, it can spiral out of control, and even lead to
the breakdown of the business.
Some interesting work with chief executives – CEOS – has uncovered some of the reasons why
they may treat colleagues badly. Many CEOS combine two opposing characteristics: (6)
___________________ - that is, the belief that they're capable of great achievements - with a high
level of anxiety, a fear of missing targets, whether set by themselves or by the directors of the
company. This combination can make them respond badly to anyone who questions their
decisions.
In a high pressure work environment, such characteristics become problematic. And it's
particularly difficult to tackle the situation where colleagues, managers and board members
are all trying to achieve their own (7) __________________. When they can't agree on strategic
issues and on where they see the business going, there are real problems.
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For managers at lower levels within the organisation, it might seem that an autocratic form of
management – where the chief executive gives orders and everyone else has to obey - would
see more conflict than others. Interestingly, though, a company with a more (8)
____________________ business model, can suffer more, when uncertainty about who to report to
leads to conflicting demands.
Now I'll say a little about dealing with the type of conflict that has harmful effects. Of course,
the ideal is to prevent it arising in the first place. A good manager, at any level will make efforts
to earn the (9) __________________ of the people they work with, particularly those who report to
them. That will involve politeness in all communications and treating them as equals who
happen to have a different role within the organisation.
Sometimes, of course, conflict does occur, and can get out of hand. In such cases the human
resources department often gets involved. However, if one of the parties in a conflict sees
human resources as simply a mouthpiece for the chief executive, then an (10)
_____________________ might be able to help. By talking to both sides and trying to find the truth of
what's been happening, they can build a clear picture of the situation, and give feedback that
both sides will accept, precisely because they're independent.
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