Business

    Do you run your own business, or would you like to do so?
    What do you think are/would be the advantages and disadvantages of being your own boss?
    If you are presently self-employed - why did you decide to be so?
    What do you have to do to become self-employed in your country?
    If you are presently employed then describe your present boss.
    What businesses will do well during the recession?
    What businesses will have the most problems during the recession?
    What is a pyramid scheme? Are they legal in your country?
    To whom should business be most responsible - to their employees, their customers or their shareholders?
    What are the problems and benefits associated with capitalism? 

[edit] Customer Service

    Customer service is important for successful companies. Can you think of any companies with good or bad customer service? What is good or bad about their service?
    What reputation for customer service do internet service providers and telephone companies have in your country?
    If you have a complaint about a company how is it usually received in your country?
    Writing letters of complaint is a favourite exam task. Have you ever actually written a letter of complaint? What was the result? 

[edit] Monopolies and cartels

    Are monopolies a good thing?
    Are government monopolies acceptable but private ones not?
    What do you think about cartels (situations where a group works together to control a market)?
    What is you opinion of OPEC?
    Do counties have the right to do what they like with their oil?
    Why not have other cartels for wood, copper, and gas? 

[edit] Business ethics

    What do you understand by the term "business ethics"?
    Can you think of any companies or business which would be considered ethical or unethical? Which ones and why?
    If you received a very good salary would you be prepared to work for a tobacco company or for a company which damaged the environment?
    What would you do if you discovered that your company was stealing vast amounts of clients' or government money?
    Is making money the only thing a company should be concerned about? If not, what else should companies be concerned about? 

[edit] Companies

    Is there one particular company you would like to be a part of? Why?
    Is there one particular company you would definitely not want to be a part of? Why?
    Would you prefer to work in a large international company or a small local company? Why?
    Which type of company do you think treats their staff better - small family companies or big international ones?
    How would you feel if your company asked you to move to a different country to help your career? 

[edit] See also

    Banking conversation questions
    Corporate Social Responsibility conversation questions
    Corruption conversation questions
    Customer service conversation questions
    Employment conversation questions
    Gambling conversation questions
    Globalisation conversation questions
    Global financial crisis conversation questions
    Insurance conversation questions
    Knowledge management conversation questions
    Laptop sales role play
    Money conversation questions
    The Euro conversation questions