"The most effective way for a businessperson to maximize profits over a [b]long period of time is to follow the highest standards of ethics. " [b]Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the opinion stated [b]above. Support your views with reasons and/or examples from your own [b]experience, observations, or reading. （各个领域间的交流） [b][b]Some people claim that following high ethical standards is the best way to [b]maximize profits in the long run. However, this claim seems to be more of a [b]normative statement than an empirical observation. The issue is more [b]complex than the speaker suggests. In my observation, the two objectives at [b]times coincide but at other times conflict. [b]In many ways behaving ethically can benefit a business. Ethical conduct [b]will gain a company the kind of good reputation that earns repeat business. [b]Treating suppliers, customers and others fairly is likely to result in [b]their reciprocating. Finally, a company that treats its employees fairly [b]and with respect will gain their loyalty which, in turn, usually translates [b]into higher productivity. [b]On the other hand, taking the most ethical course of action may in many [b]cases reduce profits, in the short run and beyond. Consider the details of [b]a merger in which both firms hope to profit from a synergy gained thereby. [b]If the details of the merger hinge on the ethical conviction that as few [b]employees as possible should lose their jobs, the key executives may lose [b]sight of the fact that a leaner, , less labor-intensive organization might [b]be necessary for long-term survival. Thus, undue concern with ethics in [b]this case would result in lower profits and perhaps ultimate business [b]failure. [b]This merger scenario points out a larger argument that the speaker misses [b]entirely-that profit maximization is per se the highest ethical objective [b]in private business. Why? By maximizing profits, businesses bestow a [b]variety of important benefits on their community and on society: they [b]employ more people, stimulate the economy, and enhance healthy competition. [b]In short, the profit motive is the key to ensuring that the members of a [b]free market society survive and thrive. While this argument might ignore [b]implications for the natural environment and for socio-economic justice, it [b]is a compelling argument nonetheless. [b]Thus the choice to follow high ethical standards should not be made by [b]thinking that ethical conduct is profitable. While in some cases a [b]commitment to high ethical standards might benefit a company financially, [b]in many cases it will not. In the final analysis, businesses might best be [b]advised to view their attempts to maximize profits as highly ethical [b]behavior in itself. [b]