Milton Friedman's Argumentative Analysis

568 Words3 Pages

Milton Friedman’s quote on “there is one and only one social responsibility of business---to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase its profits” can actually be seen in different perspectives. Company can also be socially responsible by contributing towards the community through what they do best: excelling in economic terms (Brusseau, 2012). When corporations are making profits, most of it gets sent back into the economy and everyone benefits. Jobs are created, and those that already exist get some added security. More successful corporations mean the increase of the country’s economy, which in turn lead to a social benefit for the society that offers better living conditions. However, there is also the argument that …show more content…

Business world on the other hand, should do their job by complying with the regulations and operating profitably at the same time. However in my opinion, I do think that companies have a responsibility to pursue social good. Business corporations are the one and only biggest organization and also the most powerful entity to be able to influence and offer social good towards the society. Paul Hawken in the article “The Ecology of Commerce” stated that “Business is to increase the well-being of humankind through service, creative invention, and ethical action.” Since business is created to satisfy the needs that the society requires, it is understandable for business to satisfy the sustainable wants by the people. This is also supported by John Mackey, founder and CEO of Whole Foods, stating that “In the customer-centered business, customer happiness is an end in itself, and will be pursued with greater interest, passion, and empathy than the profit-centered business is capable of (2005).” Businesses perspectives are also changing greatly, where Aneel Karnani describes “Large companies now routinely claim that they aren't in business just for the profits, that they're also intent on serving some larger social purpose

Open Document