A fundamental basis for successful strategy, whether at the economy level or the company level, is understanding the purpose of an organization. Confusion over the means/ends relationships within a strategic thinking context can lead to devastation at all levels of the organization. In this Discussion you are asked to reflect upon various points of view that relate to the purpose of business, and to defend a point of view that you are assigned.

Position A: The sole purpose of business is to generate profit for shareholders, as Milton Friedman suggests. The primary responsibility of senior leaders of business is to ensure shareholders receive maximum returns.