Meeting needs and business obligations: An argument for the libertarian skeptic

Journal of Business Ethics · 1996 · Volume 15 · Issue 6

Abstract

In this paper I argue that if we are to have any defensible property rights at all, we must recognize a fundamental commitment to helping those in need. The argument has significant implications for all who claim defensible property rights. In this paper I concentrate on some of the implications this argument has for redefining business obligations. In particular, I show why those who typically would be quite resistant to the idea that businesses have any obligations to assist others in need must acknowledge this fundamental obligation. I also suggest how this argument contributes to our understanding of the normative basis of Stakeholder Theory.

Keywords

Economic Growth, Significant Implication, Stakeholder Theory, Normative Basis, Fundamental Commitment

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