Skip to content

I think that, too many times, business has been seen as…

“I think that, too many times, business has been seen as acting in its narrow self-interest rather than, essentially, contributing more broadly to society. I think a lot of that is unintentional; I don't think that many managers are deliberately trying to be unethical or are not trying to be…” quote by Michael Porter
Download Open image
“I think that, too many times, business has been seen as acting in its narrow self-interest rather than, essentially, contributing more broadly to society. I think a lot of that is unintentional; I don't think that many managers are deliberately trying to be unethical or are not trying to be sensitive to social needs.”

Michael Porter

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Businesses often prioritize profit over societal contribution, usually unintentionally, not out of deliberate immorality.

In simple terms: Companies focus on profit, not society.

Key Takeaway

Align profit with social good.

Themes

business ethics society leadership

Mood

reflective critical

Type

analytical thought‑provoking

When to use this quote

  • strategic planning
  • marketing
  • product development
  • community outreach
  • policy making

Key Concepts

Corporate social responsibility unintentional bias stakeholder theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can profit goals be balanced with social impact?
  • What structures prevent unintentional harm?
A Different Perspective

Profit motives can conflict with ethical choices.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Michael Porter

Explore all 55 Michael Porter quotes

More Acting quotes

Browse all 12,062 Acting quotes