Customer Reviews

Business Across Cultures: Effective Communication Strategies (English for Business Success)

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This series of case studies is an excellent template for upper intermediate and higher ESL students interested in discussing cultural issues in a business context. I used this in Japan for a few years. The book is well suited for a jigsaw approach by initially dividing the class in 2, then pairing students for an information exchange before a round table discussion. The vocabulary is challenging at that level, and there are additional word form exercises at the end of each unit. There's lots of room for teachers and students to build on the themes with personal anecdotes, and for extensions into vocabulary and pronunciation. Students get lots of opportunity to participate, analyse, and give opinions, and use the target vocabulary - and there's always an opportunity to compare the topic cultures with the local culture. This is a great course book for an introduction to Business cultural issues for ESL students.

I've used this book for a number of years with managers from different countries as well as with college students in China. My only complaint is that the publisher has not updated the material. For example, there's no mention of the Internet or use of email for business communications. However, the text, cases, activities, vocabulary, etc. provide the ESL teacher with a great foundation that can easily be built on. Suitable for a wide range of English language abilities but geared toward intermediate students. This remains the most effective business-culture text I've been able to find.

Yes, I should have read the publisher's review properly... This book is for low-medium level students of English, and offers some useful angles for learning. However, in my opinion it is of little help for people who have to DO business across cultures. If the reader is struggling with English to the extent that they would find this book relevant to their needs, then they are likely to be out of a job if using that language in the workplace.

As an ESL text it may have uses in the hands of a good teacher (because the material is superficial). If your or your students actually need to LEARN something about doing business outside your home country, look elsewhere.