You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
In most successful organisations, some people believe that communication between managers and workers is important, while other people said that other factors are more significant. What is your opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
It is true that many people argue that, in any efficient organisation, it is vital that there is good communication between managers and workers. In my opinion, while this is one aspect to consider, I consider that other factors are more important.
On the one hand, in order to conduct a business or organisation effectively, communication among all the workforce is necessary. A breakdown in communications may be one reason why a production process in a factory comes to a stop. The management may not be aware, for example, of problems with a machine or the raw material, if they do not regularly consult the workers. In a store, the manager must train the staff to offer good customer service, so that the employees understand how to provide this. In an organisation such as a hospital, the managers have to see the big picture, and talk constantly to doctors, nurses and support staff to ensure that everyone knows their tasks and has everything they need to carry them out.
On the other hand, I would argue that job satisfaction is the most important factor in creating a successful working environment. No organisation can prosper if the workers are dissatisfied. An authoritarian style of management which dictates to the workforce is no basis for reaching a consensus. When workers enjoy a decent salary, with sick leave, holiday entitlement and a retirement package, then the organisation will benefit enormously from the loyalty of their staff. Supportive work colleagues cooperate to ensure that things run smoothly, and therefore I believe that worker cooperatives without management are the future.
In conclusion, in a traditional management structure, communication with the workers is important. However, when the workforce organises itself, this results in an effective organisation with satisfied workers.
293 words
Vocab Highlights
to conduct a business: to operate a business in a particular way
a breakdown in communications: a misunderstanding which results from people failing to discuss and resolve something
raw material: a basic material that is used to make a product
to see the big picture: to understand all the important aspects of a situation
job satisfaction: the good feeling that you get when you have a job that you enjoy
working environment: the conditions that you work in
to prosper [verb]: to develop in a successful way, to be successful
authoritarian [adjective]: believing that people should obey authority and rules, even when these are unfair, and even if it means that they lose their personal freedom
to dictate [verb]: to tell somebody what to do, especially in an annoying way
to reach a consensus: to come to an agreement
sick leave: permission to stay away from work because of illness or injury
holiday entitlement: the number of days off work that you are allowed as holidays
retirement package: the money or other benefits that you receive from a company or organization when you stop working there because of your age
supportive work colleagues: people that you work with who give you help and encouragement
workers cooperative: owned and run by the workers involved, with the profits shared by them