[PASS.BEC（中高级）新编剑桥商务英语口试必备手册]第二部分（电子版）[精品].doc

B: Yes. Understanding the needs of customers in each market is essential in logistics success. But we cant just throw our logistics experts into another country without training them. You see, no matter how smart they are, they will make all sorts of mistakes unless they become sensitive to cultural differences. A: Certainly. We should focus our training programme on promoting the global mindset, being open-minded and tolerant of a different culture is the most important thing. B; We should include training items on thought patterns, buyer-seller relationships, shopping habits, etc. A : Of course, logistics system cant clash with the culture of the target market and respect for the native culture is extremely important. So we also need to consider cultural taboos. For example, in countries like Japan and China, customers dont like goods packed in four together, as four is regarded as an unlucky number. B: Youre right. Different shopping habits should also be included in our training programme. In some countries, people rely on public transportation, so goods must come in small packages that can be easily carried on the bus. But in countries where people rely on personal automobiles, goods in large packages are more attractive. A: Besides that, we should also acquaint our logistics professionals with differences in language, laws and social customs. Follow-up Questions 1)Is it a good idea for companies to provide cultural training courses to their employees? (Why? /Why not?) 2)Is it important for companies to anticipate cultural barriers in their services? (Why? /Why not?) 3)Do you think that in future English will become the official language of the business world? (Why? /Why not?) 4)How important is it for employees in multinational companies to learn a foreign language? 5)What should companies do to improve staff awareness of cultural differences? Suggested Answers 1)Yes. Cultural training courses can help employees find out differences among people, including cu