The Dual Nature of Successful Business Activities: A Critical Analysis Based on Utilitarianism and Altruism

Contemporary economic development research shows that the activities of successful business people have both positive effects on individuals and society, such as creating jobs, promoting economic growth and engaging in philanthropy, and adverse effects, such as moral dilemmas and excessive consumption of resources. This paper uses Bentham's concepts of utilitarianism and altruism to analyze this phenomenon. Utilitarianism emphasizes profit maximization and believes that business people tend to give priority to their interests. Altruism, on the other hand, puts the welfare of others first. This paper points out that although successful entrepreneurs may engage in seemingly altruistic behaviours, there are often more self-interested motives behind these behaviours. Business people may benefit third parties through activities such as education, employment, and environmental protection. Still, the ultimate principle of these actions is usually to maximize personal or corporate interests rather than purely social welfare. Thus, the view that businesspeople will put society first when using resources may overlook the contradiction between individual gain and unintended but positive effects on others.