阅读理解 In English business practice operations are characterized by an unusual devotion to democracy. (47) 1 individual decision making is considered (48) 2 , almost every decision is taken by (49) 3 So much so that, (50) 4 you try to get hold of an English business man or woman, you will invariably be told that he or she is " in a meeting". Here they will sit trying to reach consensus in preference to a decision. The popularly held (51) 5 that the English work harder than other people (52) 6 a hammering when a report showed that, on average, the Germans work 44. 9 hours a week, the Italians 42. 4 and the English 42. The English, of course, point out that both the Germans and the Italians have more holidays and that anyhow, it is not the (53) 7 but the quality of work that counts. They also pride themselves fiercely on their ability to "muddle through (胡乱对付过去) " ,that is, to act (54) 8 too much worry about discipline or (55) 9 In the past this attitude has (56) 10 them well, and the past holds all the lessons the English wish to learn. WORD BANK C) Once H) dismissing I) wherever M) decision O) provided