Objectives Understand different types of company culture Identify personal work style preferences Practice listening to workplace conversations Learn vocabulary related to culture and teamwork
Reading – Company Culture Company culture reflects values, practices, and environment. Types : Collaborative Competitive Innovative Relaxed . Activity: Read passage about cultures and take quiz to match your personality.
Reading Activity Step 1: Read the passage about company cultures. Step 2: Take quiz to find your preferred culture. Step 3: Discuss results with a peers
Collaborative Company Culture A collaborative culture is all about teamwork and support. In this culture, employees work closely together, share ideas openly, and help each other achieve common goals. Managers act as mentors, and there is a strong feeling of community and trust. Communication flows freely, and everyone feels valued and included. Such workplaces encourage collaboration over competition and believe that success comes through collective effort.
Quiz Questions: Do you enjoy working in teams where everyone's opinion matters? Do you prefer leaders who act as coaches or mentors? Would you feel comfortable sharing your ideas openly without fear of criticism? Do you believe that working together produces better results than working alone?
Competitive Company Culture A competitive culture focuses on performance, results, and winning. Employees strive to be the best and achieve ambitious targets. Recognition and rewards are given for top achievements. The environment is fast-paced, and people are motivated by challenges and a desire to outperform their colleagues. Leadership sets clear expectations and encourages employees to push their limits, though this sometimes creates pressure or stress.
Quiz Questions: Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment that rewards high achievers? Are you motivated by clear goals and competition? Do you like receiving recognition or bonuses for your work? Does a challenging environment help you perform better?
Innovative Company Culture An innovative culture values creativity, experimentation, and new ideas. Employees are encouraged to think outside the box, take risks, and challenge traditional ways of working. Mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, not failures. Leaders support creativity and are flexible with rules. This culture suits people who love change and want to contribute to developing groundbreaking products or services.
Quiz Questions: Do you enjoy trying new approaches and ideas at work? Are you comfortable with uncertainty and change? Do you see mistakes as a way to learn and grow? Would you prefer a flexible workplace rather than a strict, rule-based one?
4. Relaxed Company Culture A relaxed culture promotes a stress-free, comfortable, and flexible work environment. Employees work at their own pace, enjoy flexible schedules, and dress casually. There is less pressure, and people have autonomy over how they do their work. This culture suits people who value work-life balance and prefer a calm atmosphere over high-pressure situations, though it may lack urgency at times.
Quiz Questions: Do you prefer a calm workplace with flexible working hours? Do you value having control over how you manage your tasks? Would you rather work in a casual dress code environment? Do you feel you perform best without strict supervision or deadlines?
Listening – Conversation on Culture Listen to two employees discussing company culture .
Listening Skills - Identifying main ideas and details - Recognizing opinions and experiences - Noting culture-related vocabulary
Speaking Activity Step 1: Prepare 3–4 questions to ask a classmate. Step 2: Conduct mini-interviews. Step 3: Share findings with class.
Questions to ask a classmate. What kind of work environment do you enjoy most—relaxed or competitive? Do you prefer structured work hours or flexible schedules? Would you rather work in a team or independently? What qualities do you think make a company a good place to work?
Vocabulary Supportive culture – A workplace where colleagues help and encourage each other. Example: “Google is known for its supportive culture where employees feel valued.” Competitive culture – A workplace that focuses on performance, targets, and rewards. Example: “Sales companies often have a competitive culture to boost results.” Creative environment – A workplace that encourages new ideas and innovation. Example: “Design studios usually have a creative environment that inspires fresh thinking .”
Relaxed environment – A workplace with less pressure and a friendly atmosphere. Example: “Start-ups often provide a relaxed environment to keep employees comfortable.” Motivated employee – A worker who is eager and committed to their tasks. Example: “A motivated employee will go beyond their duties to achieve goals.” Team player – Someone who works well with others and supports the team. Example: “Being a team player is essential for success in group projects.”
Vocabulary Activity Step 1: Record definitions and examples in notebook. Step 2 : Use them in sentences or dialogues.
Summary Company culture influences work environment. Different cultures suit different personalities. Listening : Identify opinions & experiences. Speaking : Practice asking workplace questions. Vocabulary : Collocations related to culture.
Class Activity Group Task: Discuss which company culture best suits you and why. Share one strength and one challenge of that culture.