The answer is:
- As agents for the shareholders, managers have an obligation to maximize profit.
- Managers should be motivated by principled moral reasoning.
This principle is rooted in the traditional view of managerial responsibility, often referred to as the shareholder theory. According to this theory, the primary duty of managers is to act in the best interests of the shareholders, which typically means focusing on maximizing profits and increasing shareholder value.
While meeting workers' needs is important for maintaining a productive and motivated workforce, it is not typically considered one of the two basic contrasting principles that guide managerial responsibility. This perspective aligns more closely with stakeholder theory, which considers the interests of all stakeholders, including employees, but it is not one of the two primary contrasting principles.
This option is generally not considered a guiding principle of managerial responsibility. While self-interest can play a role in managerial behavior, it is not a principle that guides responsible management. Instead, responsible management should balance various interests, including those of shareholders and other stakeholders.
This principle aligns with the idea that managers should act ethically and consider the broader impact of their decisions on society and various stakeholders. This perspective is often associated with stakeholder theory and corporate social responsibility, which emphasize ethical considerations and the well-being of all stakeholders, not just shareholders.