Back
 TI  Vol.6 No.1 , February 2015
Kant’s Categorical Imperative and the “Business” of Profit Maximization: The Quest for Service Paradigm
Godwyns Ade Agbude1, Joseph Kayode Ogunwede2, Joy Godwyns-Agbude3, Ikedinachi Power Ayodele Wogu1, Excellence-Oluye Nchekwube1
Show more
Abstract: The discourse in the business world has gone beyond the primary purpose of business. While some scholars would argue that the primary purpose of business is profit maximization, others are of the opinion that business, beyond maximizing profit, exists to promote and enhance the well-being of humanity. Between these two divides, this paper attempts to contribute robustly to this perennial dialogue by interjecting Kant’s categorical imperative in pursuing the argument that though profit maximization is essential for business expansion, nonetheless the value of the human persons—both customers and employees—is equally and primarily essentially. Within the scope of this study, the researchers appeal to literature as case studies were presented to underscore the various attempts at making profit and pursuing personal economic benefit by some entrepreneurs without taking cognizance of the importance of the human persons that buy their proposed products. At the end, this paper vehemently appeals to the moral consciousness of entrepreneurs across the globe to integrate moral values to their pursuit of business profit and economic expansion.
Keywords: Kant, Categorical Imperative, Profit Maximization, Morality
Cite this paper: Agbude, G. , Ogunwede, J. , Godwyns-Agbude, J. , Wogu, I. and Nchekwube, E. (2015) Kant’s Categorical Imperative and the “Business” of Profit Maximization: The Quest for Service Paradigm. Technology and Investment, 6, 1-11. doi: 10.4236/ti.2015.61001.
References

[1]   Blackhum, R.M. (1979) The Working Class in Labour Market. Macmillan Press, London, 40.

[2]   Aristotle (1962) Politics. Middlex Penguin Class, London, 28.

[3]   Sartre, J.P. (1970) L’ Existeialisme est un Humanisme. Nagel, Paris, 66.

[4]   Izibi, M.A. (2005) The Responsibilities of Business Organizations: An Ethical Insight. In: Iroegbu, P. and Echekwube, A., Eds., Kpim of Morality Ethics, Heinemann Educational Books, Ibadan, 356-361.

[5]   Izibi, M.A. (2005) The Responsibilities of Business Organizations: An Ethical Insight. In: Iroegbu, P. and Echekwube, A., Eds., Kpim of Morality Ethics, Heinemann Educational Books, Ibadan, 356.

[6]   Barcalow, E. (1994) Moral Philosophy: Theory and Issues. Wadsworth Publishing Company, Belmont.

[7]   Smith, A. (Cannan, E., Ed.) (1776/1937) An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. The Modern Library, New York.

[8]   Barnes, P. (2006) Capitalism: A Guide to Reclaiming the Commons. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., San Francisco.

[9]   Eleigido, J.M. (2004) Fundamentals of Business Ethics: A Developing Country Perspective. Spectrum Books Ltd., Ibadan.

[10]   Locke, J. (1690/1963) An Essay Concerning the True Original Extent and End of Civil Government. In: Somerville, J. and Santom, R.E., Eds., Social and Political Philosophy, Anchor Books Doubleday and Co. Ltd, New York.

[11]   Friedman, M. (1962) Capitalism and Freedom. University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

[12]   Akunyili, D. (2005) Counterfeit and Substandard Drugs, Nigeria’s Experience: Implications, Challenges, Actions And Recommendations. A Speech Delivered at a Meeting For Key Interest Groups on Health Organized by the World Bank in Washington DC, 10-11 March 2005.

[13]   The Tide News (2012) NAFDAC Warns Water Producers on Sharp Practices.
http://www.thetidenewsonline.com

[14]   Fibre2Fibre (2013) Nigeria’s SON Impounds Fake Textile Products in Lagos.
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/textile-news/nigeria/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=154965

[15]   Frontiersnews (2012 ) SON Uncovers 50 Million Fake tires in Nigeria Market.
http://frontiersnews.com/index.php/news/483-exclusive-report-son-uncovers-50-million-fake-tires-in-nigeria-market

[16]   http://www.channelstv.com/2012/07/20/son-raids-two-markets-in-fct-and-nasarawa-state/

[17]   https://customerng.wordpress.com/tag/standard-organization-of-nigeria/

[18]   Kant, I. (Agbbolt, T.K., Trans.) (1878/1949) Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals. Library Liberal Arts, Indianapolis, 17.

[19]   Kant, I. (Agbbolt, T.K., Trans.) (1878/1949) Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals. Library Liberal Arts, Indianapolis, 17.

[20]   Kant, I. (Agbbolt, T.K., Trans.) (1878/1949) Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals. Library Liberal Arts, Indianapolis, 18.

[21]   Kant, I. (Agbbolt, T.K., Trans.) (1878/1949) Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals. Library Liberal Arts, Indianapolis, 19.

[22]   Kant, I. (Agbbolt, T.K., Trans.) (1878/1949) Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals. Library Liberal Arts, Indianapolis, 22.

[23]   Kant, I. (Agbbolt, T.K., Trans.) (1878/1949) Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals. Library Liberal Arts, Indianapolis, 23.

[24]   Kant, I. (Agbbolt, T.K., Trans.) (1878/1949) Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals. Library Liberal Arts, Indianapolis, 23.

[25]   Kant, I. (Agbbolt, T.K., Trans.) (1878/1949) Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals. Library Liberal Arts, Indianapolis, 28-29.

[26]   Kant, I. (Agbbolt, T.K., Trans.) (1878/1949) Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals. Library Liberal Arts, Indianapolis, 29.

[27]   Kant, I. (Agbbolt, T.K., Trans.) (1878/1949) Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals. Library Liberal Arts, Indianapolis, 30-31.

[28]   Eleigido, J.M. (2004) Fundamentals of Business Ethics: A Developing Country Perspective. Spectrum Books Ltd, Ibadan, 32-33.

[29]   Eleigido, J.M. (2004) Fundamentals of Business Ethics: A Developing Country Perspective. Spectrum Books Ltd, Ibadan, 135.

[30]   Eleigido, J.M. (2004) Fundamentals of Business Ethics: A Developing Country Perspective. Spectrum Books Ltd, Ibadan, 135-136.

[31]   Eleigido, J.M. (2004) Fundamentals of Business Ethics: A Developing Country Perspective. Spectrum Books Ltd, Ibadan, 138.

 
 
Top