Friedman 1970 - Criticism on Friedman

6 important questions on Friedman 1970 - Criticism on Friedman

There are three points of criticism on the view of Friedman with regards to his CSR theory. What are the 3?

  1. Legal basis?
  2. Incentives aligned?
  3. Other stakeholders?

The first argument is that there is not a strong legal basis for Friedman's argument. What is this based on?

Shareholders do not own the firm, they own shares which makes them beneficiaries of the corporation. This is different from having a dominion over the firm. They are residual claimants meaning that they can claim the residual, what's left, after other stakeholders have taken their part.

In addition to the first argument, managers are expected to make discretionary decisions. What does this mean in terms of their relationships with the shareholders according to critique?

Managers have a fiduciary duty to act in the interest of the corporation but this is not the same as taking orders from shareholders.
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What is the most important notion when looking at the second point of critique? And what especially underlines this?

What is good for the stock price is not necessarily good for the company itself. Especially when looking at a short- versus long-term perspective (shareholders can sell anytime).

The third point of criticism is more normative. What is this point of criticism?

Friedman does not really consider the impact that companies have on other stakeholders and broader society.

The second argument is that the incentives of a shareholder and a company are not always aligned, what is this based on?

  1. Shareholders can sell at any point, they do not have a long-term interest.
  2. They are also shielded by limited liability for debts and wrongdoings which can lead to indifference to long-term consideration.

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