Question

Which has more power, business or society? In a major confrontation, which will win? Explain with an example.

Answer 1

I think society has more power than business. Therefore, in a major confrontation, the society will win. Businesses cannot survive in a conflict with the society. Businesses survive as long as they fulfill the needs of the society. Therefore, society is primary and businesses are secondary. Society comes with people, systems, traditions, emotions, ethics, etc. Businesses must adapt to the realities of the society and businesses cannot survive without being in a very cohesive and integrated relationship with the society. It is the resources, people, etc. of the society which makes the existence of businesses possible.

For example, would Walmart be able to survive without hiring workers from the society, or sourcing materials from different stakeholders of the society, or using infrastructure, the judicial system, political system, payment system, education, system, or selling its goods and services to the society? Walmart will collapse in a day without active support from various stakeholders of the society. In a major confrontation, Walmart will cease to exist and the society will win.