"What is the final objective of business? It is to make the obtaining of a [b]living- the obtaining of food, clothing, shelter, and a minimum of luxuries- [b]so mechanical and so little time-consuming that people shall have time for [b]other things."--A business leader, circa 1930 [b]Explain what you think the quotation above means and discuss the extent to [b]which you agree or disagree with the view of business it expresses. Support [b]your views with reasons and/or examples from your own experience, [b]observations, or reading. [b][b]The arguer suggests that the ultimate purpose of business is to streamline [b]and mechanize work, thereby minimizing it, so that people can make a living [b]but still have time for other things in life. The assumptions behind this [b]view of business are that the value of work is entirely instrumental, and [b]that our work lives are distinct from the rest of our lives. I disagree [b]with both assumptions. [b]Admittedly, work is to a large extent instrumental in that we engage in it [b]to provide for our basic needs while leaving time and resources for other [b]activities-raising families, participating in civic life, traveling, [b]pursuing hobbies, and so forth. And these activities normally take place [b]away from the workplace and are distinct from our work. However, for most [b]people, work is far more than a means to these ends. It can also be [b]engaging, enjoyable and fulfilling in itself. And it can provide a context [b]for expressing an important part of one's self. However, work will be less [b]of all these to the extent that it is streamlined and mechanized for quick [b]disposal, as the quotation recommends. Instead, our jobs will become [b]monotonous and tedious, the work of drones. And we might become drone-like [b]in the process. [b]In addition, work can to some extent be integrated with the rest of our [b]lives. More and more companies are installing on-site daycare facilities [b]and workout rooms. They are giving greater attention to the ambiance of the [b]breakroom, and they are sponsoring family events, excursions and athletic [b]activities for employees as never before. The notion behind this trend is [b]that when a company provides employees with ways to fulfill outside needs [b]and desires, employees will do better work. I think this idea has merit. [b]In conclusion, I admit that there is more to life than work, and that work [b]is to some extent a means to i provide a livelihood. But to suggest that [b]this is the sole purpose of business is an oversimplification that ignores [b]the self-actualizing significance of work, as well as the ways it can be [b]integrated with other aspects of our lives. [b]