Corporate Culture

Are you a square peg in a round hole?

Pre-Reading Activity  Vocabulary Reading Exercise Language Extension Answer Key

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¤   Pre-Reading Activity     top

Instructions:  Complete the following questionnaire.  After you have completed the questionnaire, you will be given time to discuss your answers with the other members of the class. 

Question	Your Response	Your Partner’s Response
1.  Have you ever had a job interview?  Have you been interviewed for a job in Canada? If so, relate your experience.
2. In your opinion, what is the most important skill or ability that employers are looking for?
3.  Have you ever been told that you need more “Canadian experience”?  If so, what have you done to achieve it?
4What are the differences between the Canadian job market and the job market in your native country?
5. Given the choice, would you rather have a job that paid you more but gave you less free time with your friends and family, or a job that paid you adequately but allowed you to spend more time with your friends and family?  Why?

 

&  Vocabulary Development Activity:      top

Instructions:   Complete the following vocabulary chart. (An example has been provided.)

Vocabulary Word	Word Form	Definition	Your Sentence
attire	noun	style of dress, clothing	The wedding invitation requested that all attendees dress in formal attire.
flexible
logos
cursory
foster
exodus
intangible
status

 

$  Reading Exercise   top

Instructions:    Read the following text and replace the missing vocabulary using the words from the exercise above.  When you have finished reading the article, complete the comprehension questions that follow.

[1] The online dictionary Wikipedia defines culture as a set of “patterns of human activity and the symbolic structures that give such activities significance and importance.”  Just as every society has its own culture, so too does every organization.  A _____________ examination of any corporaration will reveal distinct norms, values, rituals and symbols all of which govern the behaviour of its employees.  It is this sometimes _____________ culture which defines an organization and which often leads to tension as recent immigrants attempt to blend into not only a new country but also a new work environment. 

[2]  It is easy to draw similarities between corporate culture and that which we witness in a nation in general.  Countries have national flags whereas corporations have _________ and company colors.  McDonald’s is universally recognized by its golden arches and Coke is associated with the colors red and white.  Within each organization, there is also a specific set of rituals governing what you can wear to the office and the tone of the language which can be used in both written and oral communication.  In a society, rank is determined by social ___________; however, in an office, corporate status is reinforced by the size and location of one’s office, or even access to a private washroom.  Just as countries have holidays and parades to unite the populous, corporations hold functions such as company picnics and team-building events to ___________a sense of comradery.  Instead of singing a national anthem, employees cite the words of the company’s founder or a popular slogan. 

[3] Corporate culture can assume many forms both traditional and nontraditional.  Well-established companies, often referred to as Blue Chip Companies, generally espouse a traditional corporate culture.  The standard work ___________is a business suit or dress, office hours are standard and most interaction amongst co-workers takes place in formal settings such as boardrooms and offices.  In contrast to this, are the new technology and advertising firms which tend to break with tradition and follow what is known as an informal culture.  Dress is much more casual and jeans and sneakers are common.  Office hours are considerably more ___________and geared toward the employees’ personal lives.

[4]  It was recently reported in the National Post that:  “In two years, a staggering 40% of North America's workforce -- the Baby Boomers -- will start hitting retirement age. Already, 43% of North American companies say a shortage of skills is the top business concern, yet a quarter of all companies freely admit they're not ready for this mass ___________of retirees” (Are you ready for corporate culture?  March 5, 2008).  A company that wants to compete in this new globalized economy needs to adapt its corporate culture to not only attract but also retain vibrant employees.  Companies such as West Jet realize that employees are seeking more than just a pay cheque.  Recruiters are offering flex-time, extended parental leave and increased profit sharing. 

[5] So before applying for your “dream job” in Canada, visit the company’s website and read up on its corporate culture.  To get a better idea of whether your personality will mesh with the perspective employer’s culture, consider the following:  Are there opportunities for professional growth or advancement?  What is the rate of employee turnover and why?  What is the leadership style that trickles down from the boardrooms right through the organization?  What opportunities will I have to balance work and family?  How is the company viewed by its competitors or society in general?  By asking these simple questions, you increase the likelihood of embarking upon a meaningful work experience. 

 

1.  The main idea of the article is:  (a) Corporate Culture is impossible to define.  (b) Having an understanding of Corporate Culture would be an asset when applying for a job.  (b) Corporations share many similarities with other cultures.  (d) Corporations are not prepared for the impending shortage of skilled workers.

2.   The word “witness” (in paragraph two) is:  (a) a noun (b) a verb   (c) an adverb   (d) an adjective

3.  The word “corporate” (in paragraph five) is:  (a) a noun   (b) an adjective (c) a verb (d) an adverb

4.  Using your own words, explain what the phrase “break with tradition” (in paragraph 3) means.

_______________________________________________________________________

5.  Find a word in the text that means “probability”.          ________________

6.  Find a word in the text that means “worldwide”.  ________________

7.  In your opinion, which of the questions posed in paragraph 5 is the most important to you when looking for a job?   Why?

___________________________________________________________________________

 

A  Language Extension Activity:   top

Instructions:  On a separate piece of paper, write down your response to each of the following SAR interview questions.   When you have finished, your instructor will randomly select one of the questions and you will be asked to deliver your answer in front of your classmates.

1.  Give me an example of an important goal which you had set in the past and tell me about your success in reaching it.  

2.  Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).

3.  By providing examples, convince me that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations and environments.

4.  Describe a situation that required a number of things to be done at the same time. How did you handle it? What was the result?

 

 

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