Business Quote by Milton Friedman
“The only corporate social responsibility a company has is to maximize its profits.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Capitalism and Freedom, 1962
A company’s primary duty is to generate profit for shareholders, which indirectly benefits society.
In simple terms: Profit maximization is a firm’s main duty.
Key Takeaway
Focus on profit creation.
Themes
economics
business ethics
shareholder theory
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- investment decisions
- corporate strategy
- policy making
- public perception
Key Concepts
capitalism
market dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Is profit the only measure of a company’s success?
- How do you balance profit with social responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Profit focus can ignore broader social impacts.
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