I know I won't have the best answer, but I hope I can clear some things up. I used to always get 方式， 方法, and 模式 mixed up. Literally translated, all three can mean "method" or "mode." I think if you understand how the three are used (and what equivalents they have in English), you'll better understand where and when they can be used. (All dictionary definitions are taken from http://dict.concised.moe.edu.tw***) 方式 means 為達到目的的步驟, or the actions taken to achieve a result. So it's close to the English word "method," which is why you will often hear people say "看報紙是學中文一個很好的方" 法“ (Reading the newspaper is a good method/way to study Chinese). 方式 can be tricky. It means 做事情採取的形式, or "the chosen actions to carry out a situation." There's more choice involved, which is why you will hear things like "生活法式" (living arrangements/life style) and 工作方式" (work methods). So what about 模式? 工作模式 is more like "operating mode" (I saw this in an instructions booklet once), and 很好的模式 is "a good model." I feel 模式 is more technical (which is why you would hear it often in your business meetings. In fact, directly translated, 模式 does mean "mode; model." Strictly speaking, In Chinese 模式 has two meanings, one is "事情處理的方式" or the processing methods or mode. The other definition is 標準形式, a standard way of doing things, or a "pattern." Instead of strictly seeing "模式” mean "mode," but as "pattern," your sentence makes a lot more sense to English speakers. 仍然保留了這種目標引導行爲模式 = To retain these kinds of target-orientated behavioral patterns (In fact, 行爲模式 is best translated as "behavior/al patterns," not "modes of behavior") We see 模式 elsewhere in places such as 培養模式 and 管理模式. I hope that helps a little >_<;;;

to be exactly, it's not mode or method. it's pattens， way in which sth happens, moves, develops or is arranged patterns of behaviour/behaviour patterns 行为模式 思维模式 patterns of thinking 经营模式 Pursuing profit or not is the main determinant of its management policy and pattern, 其是否追求盈利,决定了其不同的经营方针和经营模式 模式生成 pattern generation 模式识别 pattern recognition in other occasions a centralized management mode 集中管理模式 social model 社会模式 I look them up in dictionary, hope useful

模式 means form or mode

行为模式 = xíng-wéi-mó-shì = is a psycho term means "behaviour model"

模式 can mean a managerial method that uses a template to create consistent results.