GMAT考试写作指导：Issue写作范文六九

　　69. Whether the ability to work with others is more important than specific

　　knowledge and technical competence depends on the specific job as well as the

　　complexity of the jobs technical aspects. In general, however, social skills are more

　　critical than technical competence to the ultimate success of an organizational unit.

　　Admittedly, some level of technical competence and specific knowledge is needed

　　to perform any job. Without some knowledge of the systems, procedures, and

　　vocabulary used in ones department or division, an employee cannot communicate

　　effectively with peers or contribute meaningfully to team goals. By the same token,

　　however, nearly every job―even those in which technical ability would seem to be of

　　paramount importance―calls for some skill in working with other employees.

　　Computer programmers, for example, work in teams to develop products according to

　　agreed-upon specifications and timelines. Scientists and researchers must collaborate to

　　establish common goals and to coordinate efforts. Even teachers, who are autonomous

　　in the classroom, must serve on committees and coordinate activities with

　　administrators and other teachers.

　　Moreover, employees can generally learn technical skills and gain specific

　　knowledge through on-the-job training and continuing education . Social skills, on the other hand, are more innate and

　　not easily learned. They are, therefore, requisite skills that employees must possess at

　　the outset if the organizational unit is to succeed.

　　In sum, specific knowledge does admittedly play a more critical role than social

　　skills in some highly-technical jobs: nevertheless, the ability to work well with other

　　employees is ultimately more important, since all jobs require this ability and since it is

　　more difficult, to learn social skills on the job.