Director of large organizations receive much higher salaries than ordinary workers. Some think it is necessary while others think it is unfair. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 9 IELTS essay
It is quite common for directors of big business conglomerates to receive much higher remuneration than other employees. While some people justify this practice, others feel that it is not fair. I personally believe that people occupying higher positions should receive higher salaries because of the increased responsibilities they have.
Directors, Presidents and CEOs of large companies earn much more than other employees of the same organization. This is mainly because these people are responsible for steering the company in the right direction. Their decisions can make or break an organization. Being the CEO or director of an organization is by no means an easy task. Their job is highly stressful and they are unlikely to have any peace of mind. Also, they have to have proved their mettle before they can even occupy that position. In short, only the most competent and qualified employee of an organization can hope to become the director. While occupying that coveted position, they have to carefully scrutinize every decision they make. These people are also answerable to the Board of Directors and the share holders. If they make decisions that affect the bottom line of the organization, they risk getting evicted. Also, high performing CEOs are highly sought after. If they are not adequately compensated for their work, they may quit and join the competitor who is willing to offer a higher salary. Hence, organizations cannot be blamed for offering their director astronomical salaries.
By contrast, an ordinary employee’s contribution is limited. Of course, they too work hard but their work has no major impact on the success of the company. Even if they quit, the organization does not lose anything. Also, they can be easily replaced by another employee. Since they are dispensable, they cannot hope to earn as much as the CEO or chairman. Of course, this might seem unfair because these people are also working as hard as the directors or managers. Yet, they earn only a fraction of what their superiors earn. What is worth noting here is that the pay package of an employee depends a whole lot on whether they are dispensable or not.
In short, the CEO or director of an organization possesses certain managerial skills, vision and competency that make them indispensable. By contrast, an ordinary employee can easily be replaced. Hence, directors earn much higher salaries than other employees. This might seem unfair but that is how organizations work.
Key vocabulary used in this essay
conglomerate – a large corporation
mettle – a person’s ability to cope with difficult or challenging situations
coveted – desirable, highly desired
bottom line – the bottom line is the final line of a company’s balance sheet; it shows the company’s earnings, net income etc.
get evicted – to get evicted is to be removed or dislodged
be sought after – to be sought after is to be wanted by many people
astronomical – extremely large
dispensable – not necessary or essential, replaceable, expendable
