To Apologize or Not to Apologize Why difficult? When we do wrong to someone we know,even not （41）　 　,we are generally expected to apologize so as to improve the situation.But when we're acting as leaders,the circumstances are （42）　 　.The act of apology is carried out not merely at the level of the （43）　 　 but also at the level of the institution.It is a performance in which every word or expression （44）　 　,as they become part of the public record.Refusing to apologize can be smart,or it can be stupid.So,readiness to apologize can be seen as a sign of strong character or as a sign of weakness. Why now? The question of whether leaders should apologize publicly has never been more （45）　 　.During the last decade or so,the United States in particular has developed an apology culture﹣apologies of all kinds and for all sorts of wrongdoings are made far more（46）　 　than before.More newspaper writers have written about the growing importance of （47）　 　apologies.Meanwhile,more and more articles,advice columns,and radio and television programs have similarly dealt with the subject of （48）　 　 apologies.Although they are not carried out in the public place,we can't neglect the importance of this performance. Why （49）　 　? Why do we apologize?Why do we ever put ourselves in situations likely to be difficult,embarrassing,and even risky?Leaders who apologize publicly could be an easy target for （50）　 　.They are expected to appear strong and capable.And whenever they make public statements of any kind,their individual and institutional reputations are in danger.Clearly,then,leaders should not apologize often.For a leader to express apology,there needs to be a strong （51）　 　.Leaders will publicly apologize if and when they think the costs of doing so are lower than the costs of not doing so. Why refuse? Why is it that leaders so often try every means to （52）　 　 apologies,even when a public apology seems to be in order?Their reasons can be individual or institutional.Because leaders are public figures,their apologies are likely to be personally uncomfortable and even （53）　 　 risky.Apologies can be signals for admitting mistakes and mistakes can be indication of job insecurity.Leaders may also be afraid that （54）　 　 of a mistake will damage or destroy the organization for which they are responsible.There can be good reasons for hanging tough （硬撑） in tough situations,as we shall see,but it is a high﹣risk （55）　 　. 41.A.immediately B.intentionally C.occasionally D.accidentally 42.A.simple B.ridiculous C.abnormal D.different 43.A.individual B.company C.family D.society 44.A.conflicts B.matters C.appeals D.deceives 45.A.urgent B.possible C.necessary D.simple 46.A.interestedly B.patiently C.frequently D.hopefully 47.A.faithful B.trusty C.immediate D.public 48.A.sincere B.acceptable C.private D.positive 49.A.bother B.reduce C.regret D.ignore 50.A.promotion B.criticism C.appreciation D.identification 51.A.personality B.will C.reason D.desire 52.A.attempt B.involve C.commit D.avoid 53.A.financially B.professionally C.academically D.physically 54.A.avoidance B.admission C.involvement D.elimination 55.A.fulfillment B.statement C.occupation D.strategy