Question

Why are companies more concern with profits and making money than the safety and health of their employees and the environment?

Answer 1

The answer to this dilemma lies in the concept of Economic Growth and Economic Development. Economic Growth talks about rising the production level, irrespective of the effects it causing on the environment, worker's health, quality of life, standard of living etc, while economic development is moreover an inclusive term it talks about rising economically while taking care of each and every factor, it talks about sustainable development, recycling, controlling pollution, zero effect zero deffect, higher standard of living, proper healthcare etc.

Now Economic Development is a new concept, with rising support from the international diaspora, international groupings, international forums like World Economic Forum, WTO, UNFCCC etc. the focus of the world is changing towards sustainable development, governments through its policy making, subsidies, etc are continuously trying to promote such practices. On the other hand indexes like Human Development Index by UNDP etc. are trying to measure a country's growth more inclusively.

Companies/Firms around the world still more focussed on making money and generating profits because profit making is the driving force behind any business, firms enter into the market in order to gain profits from the space available to them, thus it is quite natural for them to focus on profits then on social responsibilities, however through laws related to Corporate Social Responsibilities they are bind to spend a part of there profits on social causes like environment conservation, healthcare etc.