Wang: So ABC & Co. Ltd could also invest in those cities.

Zhang: I think so. And what do you think the company need to know about work practices in our country?

Wang: There's quite a number of things, I think.

Zhang: Like what?

Wang: I think they should get to know if there is any restriction on the employment of the local people.

Zhang: And especially the policies in relation to the overtime and paid holidays. Wang: That's right.

Language Audit

Zhang: You know we are going to make a survey of all our staff members in terms of their foreign language skills..

Wang: Good idea. This will be beneficial to both the management and the staff members themselves.

Zhang: Yes, that makes sense. But how can we convince the staff members that the survey would be beneficial to them?

Wang: I don't think it's difficult. Just let them know that we are running a series of training classes for them. A survey of their skills in foreign language will help us place them in a class appropriate for them.

Zhang: And I think that we should also get across to them that we are thinking of assigning some sales reps to the States. Those whose English is better than the others have a better chance to be chosen.

Wang: I think that will be convincing enough. And we've actually touched upon the question of how to put into use the survey results.

Zhang: Yeah. And I think there's more uses that we can put the results into. For example, some of our staff members have been complaining about our foreign language textbook being too difficult. This way, we shall be able to compile books appropriate for them.

Wang: Good. And it also helps us in placing our staff members. You know, some of the positions need people with better foreign language skills than others. Zhang: Yes, indeed.

Job sharing

Wang: You know our company is considering a job sharing system.

Zhang: Yeah, a system that allows some jobs to be shared by two staff members.