IELTS Writing Task 2 – Top Level Authorities Should Take Suggestions From Employees

In this IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion essay, we will discuss the notion that “Top level authorities should take suggestions from employees.” We will look into the multifaceted perspectives of taking suggestions from employees, real-world examples, and why top-level authorities should take such suggestions into consideration.

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires test-takers to compose a coherent essay in response to a given prompt. In Discussion essays, candidates express both views before coming to a conclusion with relevant arguments. Graded on a scale of 1 to 9, achieving a Band 7, 8, or 9 indicates varying levels of proficiency.

Question

Structural Breakdown

Type: Discussion Essay

Here are some tips to master IELTS Writing Task 2 – Discussion Essay.

Band 7 Sample Answer

There is a divided opinion regarding whether top-level authorities in a company should always consider suggestions and ideas from employees when making decisions. One perspective argues that tapping into the collective intelligence of the workforce is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring that decisions align with the diverse needs of the organization.

Supporters of this view contend that involving employees in the decision-making process not only boosts morale and engagement but also brings a range of perspectives to the table, potentially leading to more well-rounded and effective outcomes.

On the other hand, opponents of this approach argue that top-level authorities are appointed for their expertise and strategic vision. Relying too heavily on employee input may slow down the decision-making process and dilute the clarity of leadership. They contend that decisions made by those in top positions are often based on a comprehensive understanding of the company’s overarching goals and the industry landscape, and involving employees in every decision may compromise the strategic focus needed for long-term success.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is crucial. While it’s important for leaders to value and consider employee input, there should be discernment in determining when to seek suggestions. Some decisions may benefit greatly from employee insights, while others may require swift and decisive action based on the expertise of top-level authorities.

Vocabulary

1. Collective intelligence:

Meaning: The shared knowledge and problem-solving ability of a group.
Example sentence: The success of the project was attributed to the collective intelligence of the diverse team.

2. Innovation:

Meaning: The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products.
Example sentence: The company encourages a culture of innovation to stay ahead in the competitive market.

3. Morale:

Meaning: The confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time.
Example sentence: The team-building retreat significantly boosted the morale of the employees.

4. Engagement:

Meaning: The level of involvement, attention, and commitment.
Example sentence: The interactive workshop ensured high levels of employee engagement.

5. Perspectives:

Meaning: Different ways of viewing or interpreting a situation.
Example sentence: The diverse perspectives in the brainstorming session led to innovative solutions.

6. Well-rounded:

Meaning: Comprehensive and balanced.
Example sentence: A well-rounded education includes both academic and practical experiences.

7. Effective outcomes:

Meaning: Successful and impactful results.
Example sentence: The strategic planning session aimed for effective outcomes in the coming fiscal year.

8. Strategic vision:

Meaning: A long-term plan or perspective geared toward achieving specific goals.
Example sentence: The CEO’s strategic vision guided the company through challenging times.

9. Dilute:

Meaning: To make something weaker or less effective.
Example sentence: Including too many opinions in the decision-making process could dilute the clarity of the final decision.

10. Discernment:

Meaning: The ability to judge or make good decisions.
Example sentence: A leader’s discernment is crucial when navigating complex business situations.

Band 8 Sample Answer

The debate surrounding the extent to which top-level authorities should embrace employee suggestions and ideas in decision-making processes is a nuanced one. Proponents of employee involvement argue that it enhances organizational dynamism by tapping into the wealth of knowledge and creativity distributed throughout the workforce. This inclusivity is seen as a key driver of innovation, fostering a culture where employees feel valued and empowered, ultimately contributing to a more motivated and productive workforce.

Conversely, critics contend that decision-making is a skill honed by top-level authorities through years of experience and strategic acumen. Overreliance on employee input, they argue, may lead to decision paralysis and hinder the efficient execution of strategic plans.

Leaders, according to this perspective, are appointed for their ability to make tough decisions that align with the long-term vision of the company. In this view, too much democracy in decision-making could compromise the agility and clarity of the decision-making process.

In my view, a judicious integration of both approaches is essential. Recognizing the value of employee perspectives while maintaining the clarity of leadership is crucial. Decisions should be categorized based on their strategic impact, with routine matters benefiting from collective input and more strategic decisions relying on the expertise of top-level authorities.

Vocabulary

1. Nuanced:

Meaning: Having subtle differences or distinctions.
Example sentence: The issue was more nuanced than it initially appeared, requiring careful consideration.

2. Dynamism:

Meaning: The quality of being characterized by vigorous activity and progress.
Example sentence: The dynamism of the startup culture fueled continuous innovation.

3. Inclusivity:

Meaning: The practice or policy of providing equal access and opportunities for all.
Example sentence: The company promotes inclusivity through diversity and inclusion initiatives.

4. Acumen:

Meaning: Keen insight, perceptiveness, or shrewdness.
Example sentence: His business acumen allowed him to make strategic decisions that propelled the company forward.

5. Decision paralysis:

Meaning: A state where the inability to make a decision prevents progress.
Example sentence: Overanalyzing every detail can lead to decision paralysis, hindering timely actions.

6. Efficient execution:

Meaning: The successful and timely completion of tasks or plans.
Example sentence: The project’s efficient execution was attributed to the well-coordinated efforts of the team.

7. Agility:

Meaning: The ability to move quickly and easily, adapting to change.
Example sentence: In the fast-paced business environment, organizational agility is a key factor for success.

8. Judicious:

Meaning: Showing good judgment, discretion, and wisdom.
Example sentence: The manager made judicious decisions that balanced short-term gains with long-term objectives.

9. Categorized:

Meaning: Organized into specific groups or categories.
Example sentence: The documents were categorized for easy retrieval and reference.

10. Routine matters:

Meaning: Regular, everyday tasks or issues.
Example sentence: Delegating routine matters allows leaders to focus on more strategic aspects of their role.

Band 9 Sample Answer

The question of whether top-level authorities should solicit suggestions from employees in decision-making processes as a part of their hierarchical status is a fundamental aspect of corporate governance.

Advocates for employee involvement assert that harnessing the collective intelligence of a diverse workforce is imperative for achieving innovation and adaptability in today’s dynamic business landscape. They argue that fostering a culture of inclusivity, where ideas can flow freely from all levels of the organization, leads to a more resilient and agile enterprise.

Contrarily, skeptics of widespread employee involvement posit that leadership positions are occupied by individuals chosen for their strategic vision and ability to make decisive choices. In their view, decisions made at the highest level require a depth of understanding that may be diluted by too many inputs. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a clear and focused strategic direction, asserting that leaders are accountable for the long-term success and sustainability of the company.

In my perspective, the optimal approach lies in a nuanced integration of both viewpoints. While acknowledging the significance of employee contributions, leaders should exercise discernment in decision-making. Routine matters could benefit from democratic involvement, but strategic decisions necessitate the decisive and focused leadership that top-level authorities bring. Ultimately, a balance between employee inclusion and leadership clarity is essential for achieving sustainable success in today’s complex business environment.

Vocabulary

1. Corporate governance:

Meaning: The system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled.
Example sentence: Strong corporate governance is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in large organizations.

2. Adaptability:

Meaning: The ability to adjust to new conditions or changes.
Example sentence: The company’s adaptability to market trends ensured its continued relevance in the industry.

3. Resilient:

Meaning: Capable of withstanding challenges or bouncing back from adversity.
Example sentence: The resilient team quickly recovered from setbacks and continued to achieve their goals.

4. Skeptics:

Meaning: People who doubt or question the validity of something.
Example sentence: Despite initial skeptics, the new product gained widespread acceptance after its success in the market.

5. Widespread:

Meaning: Extending or spread over a large area or among many people.
Example sentence: The news of the policy change quickly became widespread throughout the organization.

6. Depth of understanding:

Meaning: A thorough and comprehensive comprehension of a subject or situation.
Example sentence: The CEO’s depth of understanding of the industry allowed for strategic decision-making.

7. Democratic:

Meaning: A system of government where power is vested in the hands of the people or their elected representatives.
Example sentence: Some argue that decision-making in companies should embrace a more democratic approach.

8. Hierarchy:

Meaning: A system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.
Example sentence: The corporate hierarchy determines the chain of command within the company.

9. Sustainable success:

Meaning: Long-term success that can be maintained over time.
Example sentence: The company’s commitment to environmental sustainability contributed to its long-term, sustainable success.

10. Complex business environment:

Meaning: The intricate and multifaceted conditions in which businesses operate.
Example sentence: Navigating the complex business environment requires adaptability and strategic planning.

Effective Connectors That’ll Improve Your Writing Task 2 Score Significantly

Connectors play a crucial role in linking ideas and creating a smooth flow of information within a text. Here is a list of common connectors that can be used in the provided answers:

• However
• On the other hand
• Conversely
• In contrast
• Furthermore
• Moreover
• Additionally
• In addition to
• Firstly
• Secondly
• Meanwhile
• Subsequently
• Therefore
• Consequently
• In conclusion
• To sum up
• Finally
• Ultimately
• Indeed
• In fact
• Certainly
• Undoubtedly
• For example
• For instance
• Such as
• To illustrate
• That is to say
• In other words

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