Third Worksheet:
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
1st TASK: GAP TEXT. FIND THE CORRECT EXPRESSION.
In today’s competitive market, companies of all sizes—from (1)__________ to large
multinationals—must ensure transparency and sound management. Every (2)__________ is
required to hold an (3)__________ to review its financial performance, approve the
(4)__________, and discuss future strategies. The company’s financial health is often
measured by key indicators such as the debt-to-equity (5)__________ or profitability
(6)__________.
When a company becomes unable to pay its debts, it may face (7)__________ or
(8)__________. In such cases, the business might be forced to (9)__________ or
(10)__________ completely. Before that happens, an (11)__________ may be appointed to
assess the firm’s finances.
Some companies raise funds by issuing a (12)__________ or a (13)__________, which
represent long-term borrowing instruments. Shareholders who hold a (14)__________ in the
company have limited (15)__________ for the firm’s debts. A (16)__________ may decide to
(17)__________ profits or reinvest them in new projects.
Firms often engage in (18)__________ to reduce costs and focus on their core
(19)__________. They may also (20)__________ new subsidiaries to expand their market
presence. However, legal (21)__________ may arise if external parties (22)__________ or
(23)__________ on company affairs.
In a modern workplace, (24)__________ and fair treatment are essential values. Even if the
company goes through challenges or (25)__________, maintaining staff morale and trust
remains crucial for future (26)__________.
malé a střední podniky- právnická osoba- výroční valná hromada- rozvaha- poměr- mírainsolvence-
bankrot- zrušit (firmu)- ukončit činnost (firmy)- auditor- obligace (bond)- dluhopis
(debenture)- akcie- ručení / odpovědnost- akcionář- ponechat (zisk)- smluvní outsourcingpodnikání
/ činnost- začlenit (společnost)- zásah / rušení- zasahovat- dotýkat se / ovlivňovatrozmanitost-
rozpuštění- úspěch / štěstí
2nd TASK: DISCUSS:
1. What is typically discussed at an annual general meeting?
2. What is the main difference between a bond and a debenture?
3. Why might a company choose contracting or outsourcing?
4. What happens when a company becomes insolvent?
5. Why is diversity important in a modern workplace?
3rd TASK: WRONGDOING AND CORRUPTION. WORD FORMATION.
Noun- Verb- Adjective- Czech meaning
Forgery:
Money laundering:
Bribery:
Faking:
Racketeering:
Fraud:
Counterfeiting:
Embezzlement:
4th TASK: CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION. AREAS OF POTENTIAL
MISUNDERSTANDING.
Instructions: Read the following ten situations. Discuss what could go wrong and how you
would behave appropriately in each culture.
No. Situation
Area of
Misunderstanding
Discussion Question
1
During a business meeting in Germany, an American
manager tries to make small talk about family before
discussing work. The German partner seems impatient.
Rules of conversation
Why might Germans prefer
to start directly with
business?
2
A Japanese colleague smiles and nods during a
presentation, even when they disagree. The British
manager assumes they agree.
Non-verbal cues / face-
saving
How should you interpret a
Japanese person’s nodding?
3
A French executive interrupts frequently during a
discussion with a Finnish partner. The Finn perceives this
as rude.
Conversational style
How can communication
pace differ between
cultures?
4
A Chinese business partner refuses a gift three times
before finally accepting it. The American feels awkward.
Gift-giving etiquette
What does this behaviour
mean in Chinese culture?
5
An Indian manager uses head tilts (“head bobble”)
during a video call. The German colleague
misunderstands this as disagreement.
Body language
How should one interpret
the Indian head gesture?
6
In a US meeting, participants openly use humour to
break tension, while their Japanese partners remain
serious.
Humour in business
Why might humour be risky
in international meetings?
7
A British colleague ends an email with “We should meet
soon,” but never suggests a date. The American expects
a quick follow-up.
Indirect communication
How can indirectness lead to
confusion?
8
A Middle Eastern businessman stands very close during
a conversation with a Northern European, who steps
back repeatedly.
Physical distance
How can personal space
preferences affect
communication?
9
A Swedish team prefers consensus before making a
decision, while an American manager expects quick
action.
Decision-making style
Why do some cultures value
group consensus over
speed?
10
At a farewell dinner in Japan, an Italian guest hugs the
hosts to say goodbye. The Japanese hosts freeze
awkwardly.
Physical contact /
goodbyes
What’s an appropriate way
to say goodbye in Japan?
5th TASK: STATE YOUR OPINION:
1. Identify which situations you could personally find challenging.
2. Suggest culturally appropriate responses for each scenario.
3. In pairs, role-play one of the misunderstandings and show both “wrong” and “correct”
versions.
4. Add one more situation from your own experience.
10 expressions for giving opinions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.