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Unit 5

Decisions

Yoon: Frankly speaking, from our point of view, an 8% discount is really out of the question. You
know, since we started the business, we have never given an 8% discount before, even to our
regular clients. This will serve as a precedent if we start to do it now. We can’t afford a deal like
this.

Anderson: We have not yet set up any accounts in Korea. However, if our products gain popularity
in your market, then we plan to continue with our business. I hope you’ll think about this mat-
ter carefully, Mr. Yoon, especially because this is our initial venture. We’re just being very care-
ful. You know how businessmen feel when they are set on making their first deal. I hope you
understand.
Yoon: Well, I understand your position. But, as for me, I don’t have the authority to make that kind
of decision at the moment. Let me see what I can do for you. I’ll refer your case to my boss, and
let’s see what he will say. We hope that it will be in your favor.

1. What is the scope of your authority or power when it comes to making deci-
sions for the business?

Sample answer:
As an area manager, I can only make decisions concerning my area of jurisdiction. I can’t go be-
yond that. However, when it comes to my area of responsibility, I can make decisions concern-
ing administrative and financial matters. These decisions, however, still have to be reviewed by
the higher ups.

2. What are matters you find hard to decide on? Why?

Sample answer:
I find it difficult to decide on some financial matters. I’m not much of risk-taker so I really think
hard about the investment I make on certain deals. I want to be assured of the profit that we
will rake in.

3. Who gets to make tough decisions in your business? Why is he or she the
person who makes these decisions?

Sample answer:
I also get my share of tough decisions to make, but the one who gets the bulk of difficult and
messy matters is our senior vice-president. He usually takes care of everything, and the ones

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