Working in the UK
In today´s lesson, we are going to look at the structure of privately and publically owned companies. We are also going to look at how you should and shouldn't behave in the workplace. Let's begin!
Company Structures
A. Look at the definitions below and match them to the correct company.
- Is a business company owned either by non-governmental organizations or by a relatively small number of shareholders or company members which does not offer or trade its company stock (shares) to the general public on the stock market
- Is a company that offers its securities (stock, bonds, etc.) for sale to the general public, typically through a stock exchange, or through market makers operating in over the counter markets.
(Definitions taken from www.wikipedia.org)
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Key Vocabulary
| Private | Privado |
| Public | Público |
| Non-Governmental | No Gubernamental |
| Shareholders | Accionistas |
| Stock | Bonos |
| Shares | Acciones |
| Stock market | la Bolsa |
Here is an Organogram of a Privately owned transport company:
B. Write the answers to these questions in full sentences.
| 1) | Who is in change of the company? | |
| 2) | How many different departments are there within the company? | |
| 3) | Roughly, how many staff members do you think there are? | |
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C. Bases on the above company structure put the following positions in order (1 is the highest and 6 is the lowest)
- Accountant
- Managing Director
- Licensing assistant
- Personnel assitant
- Store manager
- Operations manager
| 1) | ||
| 2) | ||
| 3) | ||
| 4) | ||
| 5) | ||
| 6) | ||
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D. Before we look at an organogram of a publically owned company, translate the following positions from English into Spanish:
| 1) | Board Directors | |
| 2) | Chairman | |
| 3) | General Director | |
| 4) | Executives | |
| 5) | Support staff | |
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Here is an organogram of a Publically owned transport company:
E. Write the answers to the questions in note form. Look some ideas for the answer.
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How to behave in a UK company
When you start working for a company in the UK, you will be expected to behave in a particulary way. Sometimes what is expected of you is different from what is expected of you different countries. In this part of the lesson will make you aware of these differences.
Before you Read.
A. Wich of the following things do you think are acceptable at work (A), might be acceptable (M) or not acceptable (N)?
| 1) | Talking about other colleagues | |
| 2) | Speaking loudly so everyone can hear you | |
| 3) | Helping others with their work | |
| 4) | Wearing the clothes you want to wear | |
| 5) | Using your mobile phone | |
| 6) | Trying to impress your boss | |
| 7) | Boasting about your achievements | |
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B. Listen to a Recruitment Consultant giving advice to candidates on how to behave in the workplace. Check your answers.
Audio Script
Often when you work in a company, the way you should behave is usually a matter of using your common sense. of course you shuld behave in a way that shows respect for others. A few things you definitely shouldn´t do when in the workplace are:
1. Gossip with other work colleagues about your boss or even other work colleagues this should be avoided.
2. Don't tell work colleagues how great you are and the boss prefers to other work colleagues. This is boasting and not accepted.
3. Don't fiirt With pur boss or immediate supervisors. This Will impress anyone.
4. Don't accept personal phone calls on your mobile during the working day. Try and only use your phone during your lunch break.
5. Don't take an excessively long lunch break. Find out how much time you are allowed and always ensure you do not go over that time.
6. When talking to customers/clients on the phone or with other work colleagues don't shout or make excessive noise. This can distract other workers.
There are a number of things that you can do in order to be seen as a valuable member of staff. For example, you can:
1. Be respectful to Other members of staff.
2. Ofer to assist others with their work. Yourboss is more likely to notice this behaviour and he/she will be impressed and you will be rewarded for it.
3. Always dressappropriately. Always find out what the dress code is and adhere to it.
4. Stay positive and always smile!
Cultural Differencesking Activity
Answer the following questions out loud giving as much information as possible.
- Were you surprised by any of the advice given to candidates?
- What surprised you the most? What surprised pu the least?
- Would you expect to hear the same advice in your country?
C. Here is a general fact sheet for employees working at a typical UK company. Read it and answer the questions.
- What surprised you the most?
- Would you like to work for a company in the UK?
- Complete the facsheet for a typical company in your country and compare the differences.
