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 >_<;;;