Two quality managers meet for lunch every Friday to discuss common problems, compare notes, and make suggestions to each other. Today their discussion has turned into a debate. The topic is the impact of competitiveness on the quality of life in America. “I think you are taking the issue of competitiveness too far. Sure it’s important to my company and to yours, too. But I don’t think it has that much of an effect on the overall quality of life in America,” said the first quality manager. “I could not disagree with you more,” responded his colleague. “The quality of life we enjoy in this country is tied directly to the ability of U.S. companies to compete in the global marketplace.” Take one side or the other in this debate and complete one of the following activities:

1. Debate the issue in class with your fellow students.

2. Make a list of the ways competitiveness can affect the quality of life.

3. Write a position paper explaining your opinions in this debate.