今回の Topic は、英検準１級２０１６年第２回の問題です。

１. Topic      

     Do you think that Japanese companies need to improve their treatment of female workers?

    Points

    Child raising, Job opportunities, Salary, Success of the company

２. Structure

a) Thesis Statement    

    In my opinion, Japanese companies should improve their treatment of female workers in terms of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and business success.

b) Body の部分を構成する３つの Paragraph の Main Idea は、

第１ Paragraph　日本企業、とりわけ大企業は、企業の社会的責任の観点から男女社員の不平等解消に取り組むべきである

第２ Paragraph　日本企業は子育てと仕事の両立を目指す女性社員を支援する為に福利厚生の面で配慮すべきである

第３ Paragraph　女性社員への姿勢が公正な企業は、女性消費者を味方に付けることで競争力の点で優位に立つ

３. Sample

     In my opinion, Japanese companies should improve their treatment of female workers in terms of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and business success. 

     To begin with, Japanese firms, large corporations in particular, have to improve their treatment of female workers in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).  Since gender equality in every aspect of life is one of the most basic human rights, fair treatment of women in corporate Japan also has to be the essential part of CSR.  Nevertheless, in Japan, female workers have been less advantageous than male workers when it comes to salary and promotion.  This unreasonable tradition must be abandoned immediately.

     In addition, Japanese firms should make up disadvantages of female workers so that they can compete fairly with male workers.  It’s a pity to say that, in Japan, women have traditionally assumed responsibility for raising children while men are thought to earn money for their families.  However, many corporations in Europe and the US are providing female workers who have small children with on-site childcare facilities or many days of child care leave.  In this regard, Japanese companies have been left behind compared with Western companies and this situation should be addressed promptly.  

     Finally, fair treatment of female workers should lead companies to build good reputation because consumers have become increasingly aware whether the firms are considerate towards work environment or conditions for women.  Given that buying power of women have contributed greatly to general consumption, it is essential for companies to focus more on needs and trends of women.  To that end, Japanese companies need to put more female workers in managerial and executive positions to better serve the female customers’ purchasing power. 

     In conclusion, Japanese companies need to improve their treatment of female worker because of the three reasons I mentioned above.   

 

To be continued.