English Lessons

In the West which workers receive promotions can be quite complicated. In the past loyalty was a prime factor, but as time goes by then productivity and results are becoming more influential. Above all, though sometimes "it is not what you know, but who you know”. This means that if someone has a personal relationship with a manager or a friend knows an executive in the company, then this person would receive the promotion. Other workers would then look at this situation as being unfair and would likely lose their enthusiasm to work hard as a result productivity of the other workers would probably fall as they feel as if they have no hope to move to a higher position in the company.

Discussion Points:

1. Would you want to work for a company that has a seniority-based or performance-based system?
*For example, would you prefer the former because then you do not have the stress of achieving demanding results or would you rather choose the latter because your career achievements are related to the quality of your work?

2. What are some problems of the performance-based system?
*For instance, how do you fairly evaluate a person in the administration department or how do you properly judge results from a team project?

3. What are key factors in receiving a promotion at the company where you work?

4. Would you resign if a junior staff member got promoted and became your boss?

EXPRESSIONS

stuck between a rock and a hard place- in a difficult situationI am stuck between a hard rock and a hard place because I do not agree with my boss, but he might be angry if I tell him.

In the old days- in the pastIn the old days women did not work outside the home.

climb the corporate ladder- climb to a higher position in the company It took 18 years to climb the corporate ladder and become the president.

on the other hand- on the contrary, from another point of viewI have an interesting job, but on the other hand it is not challenging.

a win-win situation- A time when both sides benefit or winIf I learned new skills for my job and the company paid for the course costs, then it is a win-win situation.

PHOTO CREDIT:

http://blogs.kpbs.org/index.php/movies/comments/the_promotion/

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