FOR-PROFIT VS. FOR-SENTIMENT ENTERPRISES

The interests of the rational entrepreneur or businessperson are always at war with every form of chauvinism or bigotry. It is necessarily so, if profit-maximisation and sustainable business growth are to be their highest priorities.

The rational entrepreneur is “colour-blind,” gender-blind, religion-blind, ethnicity-blind, as a matter of principle, while conducting his business activities. It is in his best interest to dispense with every business policy rooted in irrational beliefs and sentiments and to uphold reason as the absolute guide to decision-making.

Sustained business growth and the consequent profitability requires the adoption of liberalism as an overarching economic philosophy. That is why the establishment or alteration of a business concern to serve such exclusionary motives as “Christian-only,” “Muslim-only,” “Black-only,” “Male-only,” “Female-only,” “Latino-only,” “Yoruba-only,” etc., would always seem hardly sustainable to me.

Now, my line of argument has nothing against serving a niche market—as long as “niche” in our context implies existing market segments with peculiar demands. My argument is directed at a policy of denying customer access due to prior sentiments—especially that originating in founders or the management of an enterprise—individuals whom, rather than override sentiments with reason, allow emotional biases dictate the course of business activities.

Once again, the ongoing question every entrepreneur must answer is: do you want to enjoy high business growth and high profits—or, do you prefer limited business growth and low profits merely because you prioritise the indulgence of some sentiments?

The fact that you were treated unfairly by a previous, chauvinistic employer, or client is not sufficient grounds to run a business on an unfounded policy of sweeping exclusion. A rational alternative would be acting better than your chauvinistic boss, or choosing not to do business with a particular client, rat he than indicting every member of a social group of the shortcomings of specific individuals. It is very important that one make business decisions amenable to the discipline of purpose—i.e., profit maximisation.

#economics #business #entrpreneurship #liberalism #growth #profits