Acting Quote by Michael Porter
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Harvard Business Review, 2008
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.
