I'm really unclear about his views on exploitation under his proposed system. He differentiated between the notions of profit under either a socialist or capitalist system, but I'm totally unclear what the distinction is. I though Nove also said that to a certain extent the state must exploit workers under any socialist system. He gives the example of people who choose to join the army. In the army or a kibbutz, one is guaranteed goods and services in return for their labor, but these rewards are essentially bare minimums.
People naturally strive to gain in their lives.
Trying to force upon the majority of people a mindframe of complete equality and satisfaction with simply these essentials is unrealistic. He argues that competition is necessary as long competitors behave. State socialism proved that competition can be an ugly thing when companies plot the demise of their competitors. I like the fact that Nove recognizes the usefulness and importance of markets. We may consider capitalism deplorable but that doesn't mean every aspect of the system is evil.