Whole Foods: In Defense Of Corporate Responsibility

A: Mackey views are the most compelling as the philosophy in the mission statement of Whole Foods is to use high profits as the means to an end of improving the well-being of everyone on the planet. The values of Whole Foods are measured, and success is achieved as they cater to all the stakeholders: customers, team members, investors, vendors, communities and the environment. This philosophy resonates with me as the purpose of their organization is to use profits to have an impact on society.

2. What do you think of Friedman’s view in that “the social responsibility of business is to increase its profits”?

A: In some ways I do agree with this statement. When organizations are socially responsible it will give them a competitive advantage in the long-term, as loyal customers that have share values with the organization. However, profits can be a byproduct of social responsibility, but shouldn’t be the driving purpose.

3. How does Mackey defend his stakeholder view of corporate responsibility?

He points out that not every company needs to be philanthropic, however, Whole Foods mission and core values is to make contributions to the communities in which they live and do business. He also feels that Whole Foods must generate high profits to fuel their corporate social responsibility. Meanwhile, he respects Friedman’s viewpoint for his business, that philanthropy is a means to end for increasing investors profits, however, he strongly disagrees with Rodgers that profit maximization is the only purpose of business. Especially as he makes the point that Rodgers’ business has struggle to be profitable while, Whole Foods has created tremendous shareholders