Does a Business Have Any Social Obligation Beyong Profit Motive?
NAME: ZOHAIB BAKHTYAR
Topic: Does a business have any social obligation beyond profit motive?
Sources Used:
Arthur Miller, All My Sons,
Ferdinand Tonnies, The Argument
The Ethics of Business, The Economist
Profit Motive, The Guardian
Consideration of social responsibility is an important concern for the successful operation of a business. A business can be structured with the sole intention of maximizing profit, or it can be structured in a way in which social obligation beyond profit is considered. The two opposing views are introduced by Ferdinand Tonnies in The Argument, and correspond to his concepts of Gemeinschaft and Gesselschaft (Tonnies, Ferdinand "The Argument” from Community and Civil Society) The opposing nature of Gemeinschaft and Gesselschaft suggests that the two may not be reconciled in business, and that one may be detrimental to the other. Arthur Miller’s play depicts this tension between the views, supporting the belief that a business structure focused on the maximization of profit is not compatible with one focused on social responsibility. The purpose of this paper is to depict the tension between Gemeinschaft and Gesselschaft throughout Arthur Miller’s play, to show that the two opposing views on social responsibility in business are not compatible.
Gemeinschaft is a type of business that is seen as a “living organism” (Ferdinand Tonnies, The Argument from Community and Civil Society) There is an association among individuals, regulated by common beliefs, morals, and ideas. The family, according to Tonnies, is the prime example of Gemeinschaft, insofar as there exists an emphasis on strong personal relationships, and a feeling of community and belonging. Gesselschaft, on the other hand, is an individualistic approach to business. In the Gesselschaft model, the larger association never takes precedence over the individual’s self interest. An example of Gesselschaft would be the modern business, where each individual worker is
Topic: Does a business have any social obligation beyond profit motive?
Sources Used:
Arthur Miller, All My Sons,
Ferdinand Tonnies, The Argument
The Ethics of Business, The Economist
Profit Motive, The Guardian
Consideration of social responsibility is an important concern for the successful operation of a business. A business can be structured with the sole intention of maximizing profit, or it can be structured in a way in which social obligation beyond profit is considered. The two opposing views are introduced by Ferdinand Tonnies in The Argument, and correspond to his concepts of Gemeinschaft and Gesselschaft (Tonnies, Ferdinand "The Argument” from Community and Civil Society) The opposing nature of Gemeinschaft and Gesselschaft suggests that the two may not be reconciled in business, and that one may be detrimental to the other. Arthur Miller’s play depicts this tension between the views, supporting the belief that a business structure focused on the maximization of profit is not compatible with one focused on social responsibility. The purpose of this paper is to depict the tension between Gemeinschaft and Gesselschaft throughout Arthur Miller’s play, to show that the two opposing views on social responsibility in business are not compatible.
Gemeinschaft is a type of business that is seen as a “living organism” (Ferdinand Tonnies, The Argument from Community and Civil Society) There is an association among individuals, regulated by common beliefs, morals, and ideas. The family, according to Tonnies, is the prime example of Gemeinschaft, insofar as there exists an emphasis on strong personal relationships, and a feeling of community and belonging. Gesselschaft, on the other hand, is an individualistic approach to business. In the Gesselschaft model, the larger association never takes precedence over the individual’s self interest. An example of Gesselschaft would be the modern business, where each individual worker is
Bibliography: Tonnies, Ferdinand. "The Argument." Community and Civil Society. By Jose Harris. Cambridge UP, 2001. 17-21. Print. Miller, Arthur. "Act Two." All My Sons. NY: Penguin, 2000. Pg 69-70. Print. Denny, Charlotte. "Profit Motive | Society | The Guardian." Latest News, Sport and Comment from the Guardian | The Guardian. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. . "The Ethics of Business | The Economist." The Economist - World News, Politics, Economics, Business & Finance. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. .