much of the day away at times playing gambling games with the poorest of his people. This kept Machiavelli down-to-earth, and let him in on the quarrels of the many, which he used to his advantage in trying to be perceived in a way that would allow him to retain his power, even if he had to hide his weakness or lack of power. In this manipulation, Machiavelli made his people feel safe and secure, much like today's business leaders should do with their employees. If you want your people to support you, you must provide security for them. Security obviously varies from job to job and company to company, and it is management's job to see to it that the employees have this security and appreciate that security so that the workforce is content.
             Machiavelli writes that religion and morals had no place in the political arena, except for when the served a political purpose (Machiavelli 7). In business, the same is true. If a company has to make a decision that will affect how the company is perceived (by either the public or it's workforce), that company must decide if the risk is worth taking. The bottom line in both Machiavelli's business (statehood) and today's business is the acquisition and preservation of political power. Morals and religion must be thrown out the window at times in order for the company to su
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