The Corporate Paradox

Last Updated on March 9, 2021

Film Recommendation

The Corporation (2003)

Understanding Its Purpose

A powerful documentary about the role of the corporation in modern society. Although a few years old already (as reflected in the graphics), the content is nonetheless very relevant and highly potent. The Corporation investigates the very meaning and identity of a modern corporation. It does so by narrating the origins of incorporation, highlighting its pros and cons in the process. These disadvantages are made apparent by the malfeasance by some of world’s largest companies.

The documentary raises the question (among others), that such misdeeds are not simply due to the actions of a few bad actors. In fact, many of these same companies are still around (see Questionable Ownership), and continue certain immoral and unethical activities even with different people at the helm. Rather, the filmmakers suggest that it is the very nature of the corporation itself. That the very definition of a corporation, is what inevitably inclines industry to do bad.

The Modern Leviathan

If the corporation’s primary purpose is based upon an obligation to shareholders to maximize profit, does it not naturally follow that people and resources need to be exploited for maximum gain? Despite being an immortal entity, that is increasingly granted greater rights in society, a corporation has none of humanities’ morals and apprehensions – unless otherwise embedded.

Aligning Our Goals

This is where (in your blogger’s humble opinion) it is not the pursuit of profits itself that turns such corporations “bad.” Rather than simply a result of greedy ambitions, there is a genuine lack of other required metrics that would otherwise direct, check, and influence the decisions made by such corporations. If other metrics were included, such as people and the environment, then we can shift the driving motivations of the corporation.

For instance, if social and environmental gains were to be considered as crucial as financial objectives, then we would have greater alignment between society and corporations (see The Business Case). Such alignment could prove highly effective on limiting a corporation’s ability to do harm in the name of profit alone.

Finally, for corporations to run righteously, an effective governance is required to provide oversight and eventual liability. Good governance practices require, accountability, transparency, and independence. When these fail, the evidence pretty much speaks for itself. I highly encourage you to watch this when you can.

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The filmmakers have since made, what they call An Unfortunately Necessary Sequel.

The New Corporation (2020)