Impact of Business Objective Changes on Shareholders
TITLE
Analyse reasons why changing a business’ objectives might affect its shareholders.
ESSAY
Title: The Impact of Changing Business Objectives on Shareholders
Introduction
In business studies, a company's objectives play a crucial role in guiding its strategic decisions and operations. Shareholders, as the owners of a company, are directly impacted by any changes in the business's objectives. This essay will analyze the reasons why changing a business' objectives might affect its shareholders, focusing on the shift from profit💥making to social responsibility as an illustrative example.
Knowledge of Objectives and Shareholders
Business objectives are the specific, measurable goals that a company aims to achieve within a certain time frame. These objectives can range from maximizing profits and market share to promoting social responsibility and sustainability. Shareholders, on the other hand, are individuals or entities that own shares in a company and have a financial interest in its success. Their primary goal is to earn a return on their investment through dividends and capital appreciation.
Reasons for Changing Objectives
Companies may change their objectives for various reasons, such as transitioning from a focus on survival to pursuing growth opportunities or shifting from profit💥making to embracing social responsibility. The latter is becoming increasingly common as businesses recognize the importance of environmental stewardship, ethical practices, and community engagement in today's society.
Changed Business Objectives Applied to Shareholders
When a company shifts its objective from profit💥making to social responsibility, shareholders may experience both positive and negative effects. Some shareholders who prioritize environmental and social sustainability may welcome this change, seeing it as a positive step towards making a meaningful impact on society. They may view the company as more ethical and responsible, which can enhance its reputation and long💥term sustainability.
Analysis of Impact on Shareholders
However, not all shareholders may support this shift in objectives. Shareholders focused solely on maximizing profits may be concerned that an emphasis on social responsibility could detract from the company's profitability. This divergence in shareholder interests can lead to conflicts within the organization and create division among stakeholders. Shareholders may voice their dissent at annual general meetings (AGMs) and demand explanations on how the new objectives align with the company's financial performance.
Moreover, some shareholders may perceive a move towards social or human objectives as undermining the core purpose of the business, which is ultimately to generate profits. They may question the feasibility of achieving both social impact and financial success simultaneously, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the new objectives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing a business's objectives can have significant implications for its shareholders, particularly when transitioning from profit💥making to social responsibility. While some shareholders may applaud this shift as a positive step towards sustainable business practices, others may view it with skepticism and resistance. It is essential for companies to communicate effectively with their shareholders, address concerns, and demonstrate how the new objectives can create long💥term value for all stakeholders. By understanding and managing the impact of changing objectives on shareholders, businesses can navigate potential conflicts and ensure alignment with their overall mission and vision.
SUBJECT
BUSINESS STUDIES
LEVEL
A level and AS level
NOTES
Analyse reasons why changing a business’ objectives might affect its shareholders. It is acceptable for candidates to answer this question by using ONE changed objective that causes different effects on shareholders. Indicative content Responses may include: AO1 Knowledge and understanding • Knowledge of objectives/shareholders. • Reasons why objectives might change e.g. survival to growth, profit making to social responsibility. AO2 Application • Changed business objectives applied to shareholders 💥 . AO3 Analysis • Changes may be agreed by some shareholders but not supported by others – leading to conflict and division • Different shareholders have their own personal interests – they will try to protect those interests • Some shareholders may see CSR as detrimental to profit making – raise issue at AGM • Shareholders may see a movement away from economic objectives towards social or human objectives as undermining the very purpose of the business – to make profit