Final answer:
Claims of labor exploitation by profit maximizing employers have been discussed in relation to workers being paid less than the revenue they generate. The difference between workers' compensation and their revenue contribution is used for capital and technology costs, and to secure the firm's profits essential for its survival. Addressing whether profits are excessive is a different discussion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether profit maximizing employers exploit labor has been a topic of debate. According to the provided material, firms typically pay workers less than the revenue they generate, except for the last worker hired, who receives compensation equivalent to their worth to the company. This has led to claims of exploitation. However, the discrepancy between a worker's worth and their pay contributes to financing capital and technology, which is essential for the workers' employment, as well as to the employer's profit, which is necessary for the firm's survival. Without these profits, the firm would not be able to sustain operations and provide jobs.
It is acknowledged that firms might earn excessive profits, but this issue concerns business ethics and market regulation rather than direct exploitation of workers within the context of their necessary role in supporting capital and technology costs.