GMAT考试写作指导：Issue写作范文五六

　　56. This statement is ambiguous. It could mean, literally, that business success

　　depends on knowing more than anyone else about ones operations, products and

　　markets. Or it could be a subtle recommendation to acquire privileged information, by

　　whatever means, to use for ones own advantage. I agree with the statement in the first

　　sense. However, I strongly disagree with many implications of the second possible

　　meaning.

　　It goes without saying that competitive edge in business is a function of

　　knowledge. It is crucial to fully understand the technology and uses of ones products;

　　and it is prudent to micromanage operations, knowing as much as possible about the

　　small details that can add up to a significant economic difference. It is also prudent, and

　　legitimate, to take every measure to protect that knowledge as trade secrets, since they

　　often play a pivotal role in a firms competitiveness.

　　But the advice to know something that nobody else does could easily become

　　distorted. If taken another way, the advice could recommend that one dig up dirt in

　　order to damage or discredit a rival. It could also be taken to recommend stealing trade

　　secrets or other inside information from a competitor in order to gain an unfair business

　　advantage. All of these tactics are some also violate civil and criminal laws. Moreover,

　　the recommendation to find and use any information, even unfairly or illegally, can

　　backfire. People who follow such advice risk civil liability, criminal prosecution, and

　　the loss of an important business asset―their good reputations..

　　In sum, I agree with the statement up to the point that it validates detailed and

　　even proprietary knowledge as a key to competitiveness. Insofar as the statement

　　sanctions unfair practices, however, following it would be unethical, bad for business,

　　and damaging to the character and reputation of the perpetrator.