IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The importance of cultural sensitivity in international business.
IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1712389358
Topic: The importance of cultural sensitivity in international business.
Question:
Some people argue that understanding and respecting different cultures is essential for successful international business, while others believe that businesses should focus on profitability rather than cultural considerations. Discuss both sides of the argument and give your own opinion.
Model Answer:
In today's globalized world, it is increasingly important for companies to recognize and respect the diverse cultures they may encounter in international business transactions. This essay will discuss two perspectives on this issue - one that emphasizes the significance of cultural sensitivity, and another that argues against prioritizing culture over profitability. Finally, a conclusion will be provided based on the strengths and weaknesses of each argument.
On one hand, proponents of cultural sensitivity argue that understanding and respecting different cultures is vital for successful international business. They believe that a lack of cultural awareness can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and even offense, all of which can damage business relationships and negatively impact profitability in the long run. Moreover, recognizing and accommodating cultural differences can create a more inclusive work environment, promoting innovation and collaboration among employees from various backgrounds. For example, companies like Toyota have demonstrated success by implementing "cultural training" programs for their employees to increase cultural understanding and adaptability.
On the other hand, critics of cultural sensitivity suggest that businesses should focus primarily on maximizing profitability rather than making concessions to foreign cultures. They argue that adapting to different customs can slow down decision-making processes and lead to increased costs due to the need for additional training or resources. Moreover, some believe that prioritizing profit over cultural considerations is more in line with the core values of capitalism, which emphasizes efficiency and competition. For instance, multinational corporations such as Apple have experienced rapid growth by adopting a globalized business strategy that places emphasis on standardization rather than localization.
In conclusion, while it is undeniable that cultural sensitivity plays an important role in international business, the ultimate priority should be to balance both cultural awareness and profitability. This can be achieved through careful consideration of the specific context and potential risks associated with entering new markets. Ultimately, a company must weigh the potential benefits of embracing cultural diversity against the costs and challenges that may arise from doing so. By striking the right balance between these two perspectives, businesses can foster strong relationships with clients and employees from various cultures while still striving for long-term profitability.
In terms of IELTS scoring standards:
Task Response:
9 - The candidate has fully addressed all parts of the question and provided a comprehensive response.
Coherence and Cohesion:
8 - The candidate demonstrates effective coherence, with smooth transitions and logical progression in the development of ideas. However, there are occasional lapses in cohesion, with some sentences not directly related to the main theme.
Lexical Resource:
8 - The candidate has a wide range of vocabulary and uses it appropriately. Some less common or more advanced words might be used, but their meaning is clear within context. However, there may be occasional inaccuracies or inconsistencies in grammar or tense usage.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
7 - The candidate's grammar is mostly accurate and varied, with only limited errors. These errors generally do not interfere with the overall understanding of the text but may cause slight confusion in rare instances.
Overall
Score:
Band 8
Note that these scores are based on a
9-point scale, where
9 represents the highest level of competence.
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