Abstract
<jats:p>Read online or download for free Is the job of a company director simply to make as much money as possible as quickly as possible for shareholders? Do businesses have obligations to employees, other stakeholders, and society as a whole? And, most pressingly of all, do they have any responsibility for the environment, for social inequality, and to sustain fair competition in a world dominated by mega-corporations? In this book, Professor Alexander (‘Sandy’) Pepper considers the controversial subject of corporate purpose. Drawing on ideas from philosophy, economics, law, and management studies, he critically examines competing answers to the question ‘What’s a Company For?’. To help answer this, Pepper imagines the conversations that might take place if 20th-century economist Milton Friedman, who famously argued for the primacy of shareholders’ interests, engaged in dialogue with Socrates. The Athenian philosopher proves a playful and provocative interlocutor for questions of how a company operates ethically when faced with 21st-century questions of responsibility towards people, society, and the planet. Ultimately, through academic argument and creative philosophical dialogues, Pepper makes the case for responsible business. Building on Alasdair MacIntyre’s virtue ethics, he argues that a company’s purpose encompasses not just profit, but prosperity for all those who contribute to its work, particularly employees. It also has moral obligations to society in general. This book is a concise, witty, and engaging exploration of these knotty debates, and an essential read for students, researchers and even company directors looking to understand the bigger picture. Click here to read early praise for What’s a Company For? "Pepper provides new angles on the thorny question of corporate purpose in this engaging book. Socrates is found arguing that companies should be about making good products and services whilst Milton Friedman counters that they should be about making money. He uses this device to uncover the presuppositions that inform both views. A worthwhile enterprise and a hugely enjoyable read." — Ron Beadle, Professor of Organization and Business Ethics, Northumbria University "At a time when a serious inquiry into the purpose and responsibility of business to persons, society and the natural world is urgent, this innovative book provides insights from philosophy, management studies, economics and law to refute a narrower business responsibility conception in favour of a broader one. Brilliantly witty, in structure and style, Pepper’s What's a Company For? “resurrects” the great Socrates, whereby the philosopher-teacher deliberates masterfully with Milton Friedman to demonstrate that wiser business purpose conceptions must transcend pragmatic, narrowly rational-economistic views of business which degrade business ethics." — Kleio Akrivou, Professor of Business Ethics and Moral Development, University of Reading "What a gem! This book is both useful and fun. I would have bought it for the first chapter on ethics alone, but its true genius lies in the use in between the theory of an imagined Dialogue between Socrates and Milton Friedman to shed light on the question of corporate purpose. This is a distractingly easy read for such a weighty contribution to the debate. You are in safe hands and will learn a lot from it." — Dr Eve Poole, OBE, author of Capitalism's Toxic Assumptions "Sandy Pepper has pulled off a remarkable feat: a rich yet concise discussion of the ethical foundations to business and how they could and should influence corporate leaders. Who knew business ethics could be so much fun? There is plenty of valuable learning here, lightly and entertainingly worn." — Stefan Stern, Journalist and Author of Fair or Foul - the Lady Macbeth Guide to Ambition "Read this book! If you want to be educated and entertained in equal measure, then read this excellent exploration of corporate purpose. Do not read this book if you are satisfied with the status quo! Whether student, manager, investment manager or policy-maker, reading this book will leave you dissatisfied with things as they are, and convince you of the need to change things for the better." — Geoff Moore, Emeritus Professor of Business Ethics, Durham University Business School</jats:p>