GMAT考试写作指导：Issue写作范文四五

　　45. The speaker claims that following high ethical standards is the best way to

　　maximize profits in the long run. However, this claim seems to be more of a normative

　　statement than an empirical observation. The issue is more complex than the speaker

　　suggests. In my observation, the two objectives at times coincide but at other times

　　conflict.

　　In many ways behaving ethically can benefit a business. Ethical conduct will gain

　　a company good reputation that earns repeated business. Treating suppliers, customers

　　and others fairly is likely to result in their reciprocating. Finally, a company that treats

　　its employees fairly and with respect will gain their loyalty which, in turn, usually

　　translates into higher productivity.

　　On the other hand, taking the most ethical course of action may in many cases

　　reduce profits, in the short run and beyond. Consider the details of a merger in which

　　both firms hope to profit from a synergy gained thereby. If the details of the merger

　　hinge on the ethical conviction that as few employees as possible should lose their jobs,

　　the key executives may lose sight of the fact that a leaner, less labor-intensive

　　organization might be necessary for long-term survival. Thus, undue concern with

　　ethics in this case would results in lower profits and perhaps ultimate business failure.

　　This merger scenario points out a larger argument that the speaker misses

　　entirely―that profit maximization is per se the highest ethical objective in private

　　business. Why? By maximizing profits, businesses bestow a variety of important

　　benefits on their community and on society: they employ more people, stimulate the

　　economy, and enhance healthy competition. In short, the profit motive is the key to

　　ensuring that the members of a free market society survive and thrive. While this

　　argument might ignore implications for the natural environment and for socio-economic

　　justice, it is a compelling argument nonetheless.

　　Thus the choice to follow high ethical standards should not be made by thinking

　　that ethical conduct is profitable. While in some cases a commitment to high ethical

　　standards might benefit a company financially, in many cases it will not. In the final

　　analysis, businesses might best be advised to view their attempts to maximize profits as

　　highly ethical behavior.