Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Successful Companies” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Basics and Definitions
1. What makes a company successful?
2. How do you define the success of a company?
3. What is the importance of innovation for a company’s success?
4. Can you name a few globally recognized successful companies?
5. Why do you think it’s important to study successful companies?

II. Industries and Sectors
6. Which industries do you think have the most successful companies?
7. How do successful tech companies differ from those in traditional industries?
8. Can you name a successful company in the entertainment sector?
9. Which industry is currently seeing rapid growth in successful startups?
10. Are there sectors that are difficult for companies to succeed in?

III. Company Origins and Growth
11. How do most successful companies start?
12. Can you name a company that started in a garage or as a small business?
13. What challenges do companies face when scaling up?
14. How do companies maintain their success over time?
15. Are there companies that have regained success after a decline?

IV. Leadership and Management
16. How important is leadership for a company’s success?
17. Can you name any renowned CEOs of successful companies?
18. How does company culture influence success?
19. What management practices are commonly seen in successful companies?
20. How do successful companies motivate and retain their employees?

V. Products and Services
21. How do successful companies ensure the quality of their products or services?
22. Can you name a product that became a huge success for a company?
23. How do companies adapt their products to different markets?
24. What makes a product stand out in a crowded market?
25. How do successful companies handle product failures?

VI. Marketing and Branding
26. How do successful companies build strong brands?
27. Can you recall an iconic advertisement from a successful company?
28. Why is customer loyalty important for a company’s success?
29. How do companies use social media effectively for branding and marketing?
30. What role does innovation play in a company’s marketing strategy?

VII. Global Presence and Expansion
31. How do successful companies expand to international markets?
32. Are there companies that are more successful internationally than in their home country?
33. What challenges do companies face when going global?
34. How do successful companies adapt to cultural differences?
35. What strategies do companies use to dominate in foreign markets?

VIII. Financial Health and Profitability
36. How do companies ensure long-term financial stability?
37. What role do investors play in a company’s success?
38. Can you name a company known for its impressive stock market performance?
39. How do successful companies manage economic downturns?
40. Why is profitability not the only measure of a company’s success?

IX. Ethics and Corporate Responsibility
41. How do successful companies ensure ethical practices?
42. What is corporate social responsibility, and why is it important?
43. Can you name a company known for its sustainability initiatives?
44. How do ethical practices influence a company’s image?
45. Are there successful companies that have faced ethical controversies?

X. Competition and Market Dominance
46. How do successful companies handle competition?
47. Can you name a company that has a large market share in its industry?
48. How do mergers and acquisitions contribute to a company’s success?
49. What strategies do companies use to stay ahead of competitors?
50. Are there risks associated with market dominance?

XI. Innovation and Research
51. Why is research and development crucial for a company’s success?
52. Can you name a company known for its innovative products or services?
53. How do successful companies foster a culture of innovation?
54. What role does technology play in a company’s growth and innovation?
55. How do companies protect their innovations?

XII. Personal Opinions on Successful Companies
56. Which company do you admire the most and why?
57. Would you prefer to work for a successful established company or a promising startup?
58. Do you believe that every successful company has a unique success story?
59. How do you think the future of successful companies will change with technological advancements?
60. What qualities or values do you think are most important for a company’s long-term success?