Lesson 5 The functions of an executive

Anna is having lunch with her sister Barbara. Anna has just accepted a position as an Administrative Assistant. Her boss is an executive with a firm that manufactures heavy machinery used in construction.

Barbara You've got a new job, Anna. My congratulations.

Anna Thanks, Barbara.

Barbara Tell me a few words about your boss. What does he do?

AnnaWell, he is one of the vice presidents of the company, he's rather important. He is an executive.

Barbara Do you know the difference between an executive, a manager and an administrator?

Anna I am afraid I can hardly tell you the difference. I think these words are interchangeable and they really aren't different in many companies

Barbara What about your company?

Anna In our company the top officers are called administrators. The next highest group - the vice presidents, the heads of major departments and branch plant managers - are executives like my boss.

Barbara Is that all?

Anna The group below consists of managers, they are general managers and foremen.

Barbara So I see that an organization has a number of positions and some people have more authority than others.

Anna You are right.

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Barbara But it would be interesting to know more about the functions of an executive like your boss

Anna I'd say he makes a lot of important decisions. He sets objectives, coordinates work, delegates authority, makes hiring, firing, evaluating and just general leading.

B arbara It seems to be important.

Anna It is important. It's evident that making careful decisions is the basis of good management.

BarbaraBut do you work under much pressure?

Anna Barbara, you know I am quite used to working under pressure from my last job. I am also accustomed to lots of paper work and red tape.

BarbaraGood for you.

AnnaAnd what’s more important I feel that I can learn a lot because my boss is very competent.

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Where and how to hire an employee?

An employer has several options to consider when he wants to hire a new employee. First of all, he may look within his own company. But if he can’t find anybody suitable for the position he will have to look outside the company. If there is a personal office in the company, he can ask them to help him to find a qualified applicant. The employer can also use other valuable sources, for example, employment agencies, consulting firms, placement offices and professional societies. He can also advertise in a newspaper or in a magazine and request candidates to send in resumes.

The employer has two sets of qualifications to consider if he wants to choose from among the applicants. He must consider both professional qualifications and personal characteristics. A candidate’s education, experience and skills are included in his professional qualifications. These can be listed on a resume. Personal characteristics, or personality traits, must be evaluated through interviews.

Comprehension questions

1. Which options should an employer first consider when he wants to hire a new employee?

2. What service does a personnel department provide?

3. In what way can be the new employees be found outside one’s company?

4. What qualifications do the employers consider choosing an employee?

5. What is meant by “professional qualification” for a job?

6. What personal characteristics does the administrator consider when choosing an employee?

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 975