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

¹Department of Political Science and International Relations, School of Human Resource Development, College of Leadership Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.
²Department of Accountancy, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
³Charis Center of Leadership Development, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.4236/ti.2015.61001                

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

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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