IELTS Topic Ideas on Business

Open Plan Office Designs

For:

1. Offers a flexible workspace for a high turnover of staff.

2. More communication between staff without walls.

3. Enhances collaboration and team dynamics.

4. Can create a more inclusive and transparent work environment.

5. Cost-effective as it reduces the need for building separate offices.

6. Easier to manage and reconfigure the workspace layout.

7. Can lead to a more energetic and dynamic work atmosphere.

Against:

1. Illness can spread more easily when everyone works in close proximity.

2. Can sometimes feel disorganized with a lack of hierarchy.

3. Staff can be affected by other people's mess and clutter.

4. Increased noise levels can lead to distractions and reduced productivity.

5. Lack of privacy can hinder concentration and individual work.

6. Some employees may feel uncomfortable or stressed in an open-plan setting.

7. Difficult to accommodate confidential conversations or tasks.

The Closure of Small Businesses

For:

1. Local businesses do not offer as broad a range of products as bigger businesses do.

2. Large, international businesses provide more job opportunities.

3. Globalization renders international companies inevitable.

4. Bigger businesses often have more resources for innovation and development.

5. Larger companies can offer lower prices due to economies of scale.

6. Consumers benefit from a wider variety of products and services.

7. International companies can bring investment and infrastructure to local areas.

Against:

1. Small businesses are more aware of local needs and demand for specific products or services.

2. Local businesses support local communities and get involved in their activities.

3. Local businesses build a sense of community.

4. Small businesses often provide unique and personalized customer service.

5. Local economies benefit from the success of small businesses.

6. Small businesses contribute to the cultural and economic diversity of a community.

7. Supporting local businesses can lead to more sustainable economic practices.

Problems with International Businesses for Local Communities

Problems:

1. Local businesses cannot compete with large, international businesses.

2. Large businesses do not shape the local community, whereas local businesses do.

3. The burden of high taxation makes it difficult for many small businesses to survive.

4. Local communities lose their uniqueness as international companies are the same the world over.

Solutions:

1. Local businesses should be subsidized by the government.

2. Big companies should work alongside local businesses to support the community.

3. Local people should remain loyal to local businesses.

4. Policies should be implemented to protect and promote small businesses.

5. Encourage collaboration between local and international businesses for mutual benefit.

6. Promote awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of supporting local enterprises.

7. Implement tax incentives for small businesses to reduce their financial burden.

Businesses Providing Sports Facilities for Employees

For:

1. Staff have the chance to improve their health.

2. Healthy staff means increased productivity.

3. It provides an incentive for staff to remain loyal to the company.

4. It can encourage new staff to join the company.

5. Improved employee well-being can reduce absenteeism.

6. Promotes a positive work-life balance.

7. Can enhance team building and morale.

Against:

1. A person's health is their own responsibility, not a company's problem.

2. Sports facilities are too expensive for small businesses.

3. It would be better for companies to spend more money on other aspects of work, such as salary increases, bonuses, and extra time off.

4. Paid maternity and paternity leave is a much better incentive than sports facilities.

5. Not all employees may use or benefit from sports facilities.

6. The space and resources required for sports facilities could be used for other purposes.

7. Implementing such facilities might create inequities among staff who prefer different benefits.

Businesses Should Support Local Communities

For:

1. It ensures the cooperation of the community.

2. A thriving community is essential for good business.

3. It offers a chance for marketing and promotion.

4. People realize that not all businesses are run with the sole purpose of making as much profit as possible for their owners.

5. Supporting local communities can enhance the company's reputation.

6. Engaging with the community can lead to valuable networking opportunities.

7. Corporate social responsibility initiatives can attract customers and employees who value ethical practices.

Against:

1. Communities should be supported by the government, not by businesses.

2. Most businesses do not have the funds available.

3. Businesses should focus on their own growth.

4. International companies should not be responsible for solving local problems.

5. Allocating resources to community support may divert attention from core business activities.

6. Not all community initiatives may align with the business's goals or values.

7. Community involvement can sometimes lead to conflicts of interest or expectations.

People Buying Things They Do Not Need

Causes:

1. Advertising influences people and encourages them to buy things.

2. Some people always want the latest model of anything to enhance their self-image.

3. People like to compete with their neighbors to have the latest gadgets - the "Keeping up with the Joneses" syndrome.

4. Some people become addicted to shopping and fashion.

5. People who are unhappy think 'retail therapy' will help them.

Effects:

1. Consumerism can boost the economy. It can create business and jobs. (+)

2. People can keep pace with the fast-changing technology. (+)

3. People may overspend and get into debt. (-)

4. Society becomes a "throw-away society" producing unnecessary waste. (-)

5. Increased demand for products can result in more low-quality products being made. (-)

6. Environmental degradation due to increased production and disposal of goods. (-)

7. Personal financial instability and stress from excessive spending. (-)

8. Loss of appreciation for the value and longevity of items. (-)

9. Encouragement of a culture of materialism and superficiality. (-)

10. Potential exploitation of workers in the production of cheap, mass-produced goods. (-)

Business & Staff Uniforms

For:

1. A branded work uniform sets a company apart from its competitors.

2. It promotes equality between staff.

3. Uniforms look professional and project a good image.

4. It fosters solidarity between staff and makes them feel part of a team.

5. Some uniforms are essential for hygiene or safety reasons.

6. Uniforms can simplify dress codes and reduce wardrobe-related stress for employees.

7. Consistent uniforms enhance brand recognition and marketing.

8. Uniforms can enhance customer experience by making staff easily identifiable.

9. Uniforms can instill a sense of pride and belonging among employees.

Against:

1. Uniforms can be uncomfortable and restrict personal expression.

2. Not all employees may feel comfortable wearing the same type of clothing.

3. The cost of providing and maintaining uniforms can be significant.

4. Uniforms may not suit all work environments or job roles.

5. Uniforms can sometimes create a rigid and formal atmosphere.

6. Employees may feel that uniforms diminish their individuality.

7. Uniform policies can lead to potential conflicts or dissatisfaction among staff.

8. The practicality and appropriateness of uniforms may vary across different seasons and climates.

Business Success is Measured by Money

For:

1. Good customer feedback shows that people are satisfied with the product or service offered.

2. A successful business must make a profit.

3. If a business fails to make money, it will close.

4. Job satisfaction in running a business is a sign of success.

5. No company can be successful if they are failing financially.

6. Shareholders naturally expect a company to make a profit.

7. The number of customers shows the potential of a healthy company.

8. Financial success allows for expansion and investment in new opportunities.

9. Profits can be reinvested in improving products, services, and employee benefits.

10. Financial stability ensures long-term viability and competitiveness.

11. Profitability attracts investors and partnerships, fostering growth.

12. Revenue generation is essential for research and development.

13. A strong financial performance enhances a company's reputation and market position.

Against:

1. The reach of a company is more important than the money it makes.

2. Employee performance is a good way to measure productivity and efficiency.

3. Social impact and corporate responsibility are also measures of success.

4. Customer loyalty and satisfaction indicate a company's long-term potential.

5. Innovation and adaptability are crucial for sustainable success.

6. Business success can be reflected in employee well-being and job satisfaction.

7. Brand reputation and market presence are vital indicators of success.

8. Contribution to community and environmental sustainability are important metrics.

9. Financial metrics can sometimes overlook the quality and ethical aspects of business operations.

10. Non-financial achievements can build a company's legacy and cultural significance.

11. A balanced approach considering both financial and non-financial factors provides a holistic view of success.

12. Business success should align with the values and mission of the company.

13. Diversifying success measures can lead to more resilient and adaptive business strategies.

Family-run Businesses are Best

For:

1. Work schedules can be adjusted and cover more easily found.

2. Family members trust each other.

3. Decisions will be made that benefit the entire family.

4. Family members have a shorter learning curve because they have grown up with the business.

5. Family businesses are usually a lot less bureaucratic.

6. The business can be passed down through the generations.

7. Directors and managers who are family members will work harder and be more dedicated.

8. The work atmosphere will be more relaxed.

9. Family members are more likely to have a long-term commitment to the business.

10. Family businesses often have a strong sense of tradition and values.

11. Close-knit relationships can lead to better communication and collaboration.

12. Family businesses can provide a sense of pride and identity for the family.

13. Family members may be more willing to make personal sacrifices for the business.

Against:

1. Not all family members will have the same aims for the company.

2. Family members might not have the required skills to be successful managers or directors, resulting in mediocre business performance.

3. Business disputes can lead to family conflicts because issues become subjective rather than objective.

4. There might be a bias toward promoting family members ahead of non-related staff.

5. Ideas may become stale, and fresh perspectives might be difficult to find.

6. Non-family employees may find it difficult to integrate.

7. Emotional involvement can cloud business decisions.

8. Succession planning can be challenging and lead to disputes.

9. Family dynamics can affect business operations and professionalism.

10. Limited opportunities for non-family employees can lead to dissatisfaction and high turnover.

11. Financial risks can have personal implications for the entire family.

12. Resistance to change and innovation may hinder growth and competitiveness.

13. Balancing family and business roles can be stressful and demanding.