Staff negotiations. Practice Test

Vocabulary

Complete these negotiating dialogues by writing a word or phrase from the box in each space.

 

  

A.    Here’s what we 1 suggest $2000 upfront and the balance in delivery.

B.    No, I’m afraid we couldn’t possibly 2……… that. What we want is $1000 upfront and the balance at 30 days.

A.    For us, the most important 3………is a commitment to delivery times and a penalty clause if they are missed.

B.    I’ll have to 4…… about that, but it might be all right

A.   What we’d like first of all is a reduction in the number of staff on temporary contracts.

B.    I’m afraid that’s out of the 5….. it would reduce our flexibility.

A.  Well, here’s another 6……. How about if we agree to more flexible working in return for a reduction in temporary contracts?

B.  We’d have to 7……. On that one. Can we 8…….to you on that later?

A.  We’d like 5% now and another 5% next year.

B.  So, what you’re 9…… is basically 10% spread over two years and then pay increases in line with inflation for the following two years?

A.  That’s right

B.  I guess the pay increase in line with inflation are 10……. But we’re not 11…… to accept the 5% plus 5%. 12……… we could offer 6% this year and then pay increases in line with inflation after that.

Complete the expressions in these sentences by writing one word in each space.

1.    We’ve been working round the……… to complete the order on time.

2.    When I asked him to attend a training course, he got very hot under the……

And told me he should be leading the training course, not attending it!.

3.    I think management should put their money where their……. Is and offer us an incentive package.

4.    Stan is feeling pretty frustrated with his job because he’s been……. Over for promotion yet again.

5.    Monica’s work wasn’t up to……… so we had to terminate her conctract.

6.    I’d like a bit more responsibility and not have my boss breathing down my…… all day at the office.

Grammar

Match these sentence halves to make conditional sentences.

1.    As long as their rents syat low (f) 2.    Has our company done proer financial planning 3.    If it weren’t for the interest rates 4.    If we were to carry out another sales forecast now 5.    Because of the disappointing sales campaign 6.    Providing our workforce accept a low salary increase

a.    It wouldn’t have gone bankrupt last march b.    We’ll have to increase our marketing effort next year. c.    We’ll be able to cover costs d.    We’d be makin a ridy profit now e.    We’d be able to set more realistic production targets. f.     They should be able to syat in the same offices.

Write sentences which are true about you, starting with the words given.

1.    Had my company……./had i……..

2.    As long as I work……..

3.    If it weren’t for my……….

4.    In the event of my……

5.    Providing I don’t……..

6.    If my boss were to……

Answers key

1.       Suggest

2.       Accept

3.       Thing

4.       Think

5.       Question

6.       Possibility

7.       Consult

8.       Come back

9.       Saying

10.   Acceptable

11.   Prepared

12.   However

1.       Clock

2.       Collar

3.       Mouth

4.       Passed

5.       Scrath / standard

6.       Neck

Grammar

1.       F

2.       A

3.       D

4.       E

5.       B

6.       C

Suggested answers

1.       Had my company landed the contract, we’d have undertaken a big expansion programme. / had I taken more care with the report, it wouldn’t have containded so many mistakes.

2.       As long as I work had, I’ll get promoted

3.       If it weren’t for my university tutor, I would not have got this job.

4.       In the event on my being given promotion, I’ll celebrate with you.

5.       Providing I don’t get interrupted, I should have the proposal finished by Friday.

6.       If my boss were to leave, I’d get her job.

Souce : Brook-Hart G.-Business Benchmark Advanced Personal SB