The profit motive is an economic concept which posits that the ultimate goal of a business is to make money. Stated differently, the reason for a business’s existence is to turn a profit. The profit motive functions on the rational choice theory, or the theory that individuals tend to pursue what is in their own best interests. Accordingly, businesses seek to benefit themselves and/or their shareholders by maximizing profits.
As it extends beyond economics into ideology, the profit motive has been a great matter of contention.
Read more about Profit Motive: Economics, Criticisms, Counter Criticisms
Famous quotes containing the words profit and/or motive:
“We go to gain a little patch of ground
That hath in it no profit but the name.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me, it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable.”
—Robert Bolt (1924–1995)