In: Finance
Please define and explain the difference between Shareholder Wealth Maximization and Stakeholder Wealth Maximization. Please articulate your views on what should be management's primary goal(s).
The shareholder wealth maximization goal states that management should endeavour to maximize the net present (or current) value of the expected future cash flows to the shareholders of the firm. Net present value refers to the discounted sum of the expected net cash flows.
Although maximization of shareholder wealth is the primary goal, many firms broaden their focus to include the interests of stakeholders as well as shareholders. Stakeholders are groups such as employees, customers, suppliers, creditors, owners, and others who have a direct economic link to the firm. A firm with a stakeholder focus consciously avoids actions that would prove detrimental to stakeholders.. The goal is not to maximize stakeholder wealth but to preserve it.
In my view, the management's primary goal should be on Stakeholder Wealth Maximization because the stakeholders have a direct economic link to the firm. Also maximizing stakeholder wealth will improve the firms corporate social responsibility image and will provide maximum long term benefit to shareholders by maintaining positive stakeholder relationships.