58. This quotation suggests that the ultimate purpose of business is to streamline and
6 M$ X7 S D- Y5 {/ u5 Mmechanize work, thereby minimizing it, so that people can make a living but still have 0 c5 k" y1 `$ x H4 ^% v: f5 f
time for other things in life. The assumptions behind this view of business are that the
+ T! p3 k3 g- F/ Y5 Pvalue of work is entirely instrumental, and that our work lives are distinct from the rest
! A0 s* l% T/ z2 x+ qof our lives. I disagree with both assumptions.
+ l+ G0 i4 N7 e/ y; C3 [ Admittedly, work is to a large extent instrumental in that we engage in it to
* m& u) k# g) J: nprovide for our needs while leaving time and resources for other activities—raising * R; Z( U. e& a: a3 ]8 S1 W* ?
families, participating in civic life, traveling, pursuing hobbies, and so forth. And these 0 P& [; M$ v! \2 Y3 ]1 m
activities normally take place away from the workplace and are distinct from our work.
- D9 ?9 I4 |* ]1 J9 _& [2 |However, for most people, work is far more than a means to these ends. It can also be
e k' I% q2 Fengaging, enjoyable and fulfilling in itself. And it can provide a context for expressing
j! o2 v( F1 c q5 q5 _9 n' Y f5 ~an important pan of one's self. However, work will be less of all these to the extent that
4 m0 k6 c$ o9 Q" git is streamlined and mechanized for quick disposal, as the quotation recommends.
* j! O5 h5 Q9 a0 _+ v' b8 o: M, N' }2 }Instead, our jobs will become monotonous and tedious, the work of drones. And we 4 m( u+ {3 ? l2 ]* X: R5 i
might become drone-like in the process.7 f4 [! @1 J Z" S% h* V' L3 c
In addition, work can to some extent be integrated with the rest of our lives. More
$ k8 {5 k$ S5 y5 j8 B9 cand more companies are installing on-site daycare facilities and workout rooms. They
; U: K5 s8 p/ u! O/ d, \. [are giving greater attention to the ambiance of the break room, and they are sponsoring $ {# l! k2 @9 y& U) _7 Z
family events, excursions and athletic activities for employees as never before. The ! m* n" m- V& E3 I' _5 V- V- w
notion behind this trend is that when a company provides employees with ways to fulfill
3 Z8 I h6 }) _! ?( b$ E. U0 eoutside needs and desires, employees will do better work. I think this idea has merit.# X6 ?. j' X, o3 F$ f
In conclusion, I admit that there is more to life than work, and that work is to : A' _0 A' S1 _$ s) z% |0 q
some extent a means to provide a livelihood. But to suggest that this is the sole purpose 0 e( q9 U' O- V( q3 X! z8 {/ M/ a
of business is an oversimplification that ignores the self-actualizing significance of 1 Y9 B, T2 w; d6 G5 g$ h
work, as well as the ways it can be integrated with other aspects of our lives |