Question

    Decision-making can be extremely difficult. 1.

In any approach to a problem and in any negotiations, the Western world turns to the "I to you" approach while Japan, the "you to you" approach. The former means both sides present their arguments openly from their own point of view. Naturally, often comes a confrontation （冲突） situation, which Westerners are very skillful in dealing with.2.Thus, the direction of the meeting is a mutual （相互的）attempt to reduce confrontation and achieve harmony.

Besides, Western decision-making goes mostly from top management and often does not consult middle management or the worker. 3.Based on "bottom-up direction" , ideas can be created at the lowest levels, travel upward through an organization and have an effect on the final decision.

4. The Japanese business person works to achieve harmony, even if the deal falls through, and will spend whatever time is necessary to determine a "you to you** approach, communicating personal views only indirectly. They put a thorough job above the Western deadline approach. So the Japanese are thorough in their meetings. 5. Where the American is pressing for a specific decision, the Japanese is trying to think up a rather broad direction.

On the other hand, once a given agreement is made, it is the Japanese who sometimes wonder at the slow pace at which Westerners carry out the decision. The Japanese are eager to move forward and Westerns, perhaps, lag behind as they take the time for in-depth planning.

A. In general, harmony is hard to achieve in most Western companies.

B. However, in Japan great consideration is given to the thoughts and opinions of everyone at all levels.

C. Thai's why Americans are often annoyed by the many meetings in Japanese businesses.

D. Difference in decision-making also comes from different communication styles.

E. The latter is based on each side trying to understand the other person's point of view.

F. Decision-making styles are significantly different in different cultures.

G. Brainstorming plays a significant role in both Western and Eastern decision-making.

Answer

1.F

2.E

3.B

4.D

5.C

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。文章以西方和日本为例，说明了不同的文化中决策风格的不同。

1.结合下文In any approach to a problem and in any negotiations, the Western world turns to the "I to you" approach while Japan, the "you to you" approach.（在任何解决问题的方法和谈判中，西方世界采用“我对你”的方法，而日本采用“你对你”的方法）可知，不同的文化中，决策的风格也不一样。故F选项“决策风格在不同的文化中有很大的差异。”符合上下文语境，故选F。

2.结合上文The former means both sides present their arguments openly from their own point of view. Naturally, often comes a confrontation situation, which Westerners are very skillful in dealing with.（前者是指双方都公开地从自己的角度提出自己的观点。很自然地，经常会出现对峙的局面，而西方人很善于处理这种局面）中the former“前者”可对应到E选项中the latter“后者”，故E选项“后者是基于双方都试图理解对方的观点。”符合上下文语境，故选E。

3.根据下文Based on "bottom-up direction" , ideas can be created at the lowest levels, travel upward through an organization and have an effect on the final decision.（基于“自下而上的方向”，思想可以在最低层次上产生，向上传递到组织，并对最终决策产生影响）可推知，本句为说明在一种重视基层人民的思想和意见的文化，故B选项“然而，在日本，人们很重视各级人民的思想和意见。”符合上下文语境，故选B。

4.根据下文The Japanese business person works to achieve harmony, even if the deal falls through, and will spend whatever time is necessary to determine a "you to you” approach, communicating personal views only indirectly.（日本商人努力达成和谐，即使交易失败，他们也会花任何必要的时间来确定一种“你对你”的方式，只间接地交流个人观点）可知，此处是在说明沟通方式对决策差异的影响。故D选项“决策的差异也来自于不同的沟通方式。”符合上下文语境，故选D。

5.根据下文Where the American is pressing for a specific decision, the Japanese is trying to think up a rather broad direction.（当美国人迫切要求一个具体的决定时，日本人正试图想出一个相当宽泛的方向）可知，日本和美国的沟通方式不同，故本句为说明这两种不同的沟通方式会引起的矛盾。故C选项“这就是为什么美国人经常被日本企业的会议搞得心烦意乱。”符合上下文语境，故选C。