Directors of large organizations earn maximum higher salaries than ordinary employees. Some people believe it is necessary, but others think that it is unfair. Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
Nowadays, senior executives in major companies receive significantly higher pay than frontline and junior staff, a gap that has sparked heated debate. While some argue this pay disparity is unjustifiable, I believe it is a rational and necessary arrangement for business operations.
Those who criticise the pay gap often base their argument on the fact that ordinary employees often perform longer hours of repetitive, tangible work, such as factory production or customer service, yet their salaries barely cover living costs. For example, entry-level retail staff at a global fast fashion chain may work 45 hours a week but earn less than 0.1% of the CEO’s annual income. Critics believe this undervalues frontline labour and widens social inequality, as low-income staff struggle to afford housing and healthcare while executives enjoy luxurious perks.
However, this view overlooks the immense responsibility and scarce expertise required for leadership roles. Directors are accountable for making high-stakes strategic decisions that determine the survival of the entire organisation: a single wrong call on market expansion or crisis management can lead to millions in losses, mass layoffs, or even corporate bankruptcy. For instance, when Apple faced plummeting sales in 1997, Steve Jobs’ decision to streamline product lines and focus on innovative design turned the company around, saving tens of thousands of jobs. The exorbitant rewards for such roles also attract top global talent, driving corporate performance that ultimately benefits all staff through job stability and growth.
In my opinion, the pay gap is justified as long as executive pay is tied to corporate performance, as it reflects the unique value, pressure, and risk of senior positions. Ordinary employees’ contributions are valuable, but they do not carry the same weight of accountability or demand the rare skills that leadership requires.