阅读理解。
Decision-making can be extremely difficult. Decision-making styles are significantly different. in different
cultures.
In any approach to a problem and in any negotiations, the Western world turns to the "I to you" approach
while Japan, the "you to you" approach. The former means both sides present their arguments openly from
their own point of view. Naturally, often comes a confrontation (冲突) situation, which Westerners are very
skillful in dealing with. The latter is based on each side trying to understand the other person's point of view.
Thus, the direction of the meeting is a mutual (相互的) attempt to reduce confrontation and achieve harmony.
Besides, Western decision-making goes mostly from top management (管理人员) and often does not
consult middle management or the worker. However, in Japan great consideration is given to the thoughts and
opinions of everyone at all levels. Based on "bottom-up direction", ideas can be created at the lowest levels,
travel upward through an organization and have an effect on the final decision.
Difference in decision-making also comes from different communication styles. The Japanese business
person works to achieve harmony, even if the deal falls through, and will spend whatever time is necessary to
determine a "you to you" approach, communicating personal views only indirectly. They put a thorough job
above the Western deadline approach. So the Japanese are thorough in their meetings. Thus Americans are
often annoyed by the many meetings in many Japanese businesses. But where the American is pressing for a
specific decision, the Japanese is trying to think up a rather broad direction.
On the other hand, once a given agreement is made, it is the Japanese who sometimes wonder at the slow
pace in which Westerners carry out the decision. The Japanese are eager to move forward and Westerners,
perhaps, lag (落后) behind as they take the time for in-depth planning.
1. A Japanese business bases its decision _____.
A. on top-down direction
B. on nothing but its workers' views
C. on bottom-up direction
D. only on its top leaders' opinions
2. The text mainly tells us that Japan and the Western world _____.
A. face great difficulty in making decisions
B. are different in decision-making styles
C. have all members contribute to a decision
D. have two approaches:"I to you" and "you to I"
3. Which of the following is TRUE of the Westerners?
A. They carry out the decision once it is made.
B. There are many meetings in their businesses.
C. They work to achieve harmony in doing business.
D. They are good at handling confrontation situation.
4. The author's attitude towards Japanese decision-making is _____.
A. positive
B. critical (批评的)
C. negative
D. casual (无所谓的)
