Ethical leadership in business is a topic that has gained significant traction in recent years, making it a potential subject for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on trends in past exams and the growing importance of corporate ethics, we can expect to see questions related to this theme appearing more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare for this topic.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that companies should prioritize ethical leadership over profit-making. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question asks for your opinion on the balance between ethical leadership and profit-making in businesses. It’s an “agree or disagree” type question, which means you need to clearly state your position and support it with well-developed arguments.
Model Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In today’s business landscape, the debate between prioritizing ethical leadership and profit-making has become increasingly prominent. While both aspects are crucial for a company’s success, I firmly believe that ethical leadership should take precedence over profit-making to a large extent.
Firstly, ethical leadership fosters long-term sustainability and trust. Companies that prioritize ethical practices build stronger relationships with stakeholders, including customers, employees, and investors. This trust translates into brand loyalty, employee retention, and investor confidence, all of which contribute to sustained profitability. For instance, companies like Patagonia have demonstrated that prioritizing environmental and social responsibility can lead to both customer loyalty and financial success.
Secondly, ethical leadership mitigates risks and potential legal issues. In an era of increased transparency and regulatory scrutiny, unethical practices can result in severe penalties, lawsuits, and reputational damage. By prioritizing ethics, companies can avoid these pitfalls and the associated costs. The case of Enron’s collapse serves as a stark reminder of how unethical practices can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Moreover, ethical leadership attracts and retains top talent. In a competitive job market, skilled professionals are increasingly seeking employers who demonstrate strong values and social responsibility. Companies known for their ethical practices, such as Google and Microsoft, consistently rank among the most desirable employers, indicating that ethical leadership can be a significant competitive advantage in talent acquisition and retention.
However, it is important to acknowledge that profitability remains essential for a company’s survival and growth. Without financial stability, a company cannot sustain its operations or invest in ethical initiatives. The key lies in finding a balance where ethical considerations guide profit-making strategies, rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive goals.
In conclusion, while profit-making is undeniably important, I strongly agree that companies should prioritize ethical leadership. By doing so, they can build sustainable businesses that not only generate profits but also contribute positively to society and set standards for corporate responsibility in the 21st century.
(308 words)
Band 6-7 Essay
In the business world today, there is a debate about whether companies should focus more on ethical leadership or making profits. In my opinion, I agree to a large extent that ethical leadership should be given priority over profit-making.
Firstly, ethical leadership helps build a good reputation for companies. When a company behaves ethically, it gains the trust of customers and other businesses. This good reputation can lead to more customers and business partners in the long run, which can actually help increase profits. For example, companies that are known for fair trade practices often attract more loyal customers.
Secondly, ethical leadership can prevent legal problems. Companies that prioritize ethics are less likely to break laws or engage in corrupt practices. This means they can avoid expensive lawsuits and fines, which would hurt their profits. We have seen many cases where unethical companies faced huge penalties, damaging their finances and reputation.
However, it’s important to note that profits are still necessary for a company to survive and grow. Without making money, a company can’t pay its workers or invest in new products. The challenge is to find a balance between being ethical and making enough profit to stay in business.
In conclusion, while profit is important, I believe companies should focus more on ethical leadership. This approach can lead to long-term success and a positive impact on society. Companies should aim to make profits in an ethical way, rather than pursuing profits at any cost.
(234 words)
Ethical Leadership in Business
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more developed arguments and uses more sophisticated language.
Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases such as “fosters long-term sustainability,” “mitigates risks,” and “catastrophic consequences.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively conveys the main ideas.
Examples: The higher band essay provides specific examples (Patagonia, Enron, Google, Microsoft) to support its arguments, while the lower band essay uses more general examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 8-9 essay does this more smoothly and effectively.
Argument Development: The Band 8-9 essay presents more nuanced arguments and acknowledges the importance of profitability, showing a more balanced perspective.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
Ethical leadership (noun phrase) /ˈeθɪkəl ˈliːdəʃɪp/ – The practice of being a morally upright leader who promotes ethical conduct in an organization.
Corporate responsibility (noun phrase) /ˈkɔːpərət rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪlɪti/ – A company’s obligation to act in ways that benefit society as well as the business itself.
Stakeholders (noun) /ˈsteɪkhoʊldərz/ – People or groups that have an interest in a company’s activities.
Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe, serious, or painful.
Transparency (noun) /trænsˈpærənsi/ – The quality of being open and honest in business dealings.
Regulatory scrutiny (noun phrase) /ˈreɡjələtɔːri ˈskruːtɪni/ – Close examination by official bodies that oversee business practices.
Corporate ethics (noun phrase) /ˈkɔːpərət ˈeθɪks/ – The moral principles that guide the way a company behaves.
Brand loyalty (noun phrase) /brænd ˈlɔɪəlti/ – The tendency of customers to continue buying from a specific brand.
Social responsibility (noun phrase) /ˈsəʊʃəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪlɪti/ – An ethical framework suggesting that an organization has an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large.
Conclusion
The topic of ethical leadership in business is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of businesses in addressing social issues
- Balancing profit and environmental responsibility
- The impact of corporate culture on employee well-being
- The importance of transparency in business operations
Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use relevant examples to support your arguments. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the exam.