Debate Series
The WDI Debate series focuses on issues currently under discussion in both business schools and the business community as a whole. Unlike other debates, this series focuses not only on points of disagreement, but also where the authors have staked out common ground. As a result, each paper contains three separate essays: one written by researchers taking one side on the issue, one written by researchers taking the other side and a third jointly written by all of the authors that clearly lays out the areas of agreement and disagreement. In this way, both sides have the opportunity to present their case, but are also forced to recognize areas of agreement and clarify areas of disagreement. The goal of the series is to provide a venue for “a thoughtful and civil exploration of what everyone can and cannot agree upon.”
The Social Benefits of Profit Maximizing Firms vs. Social Enterprises
This particular debate centers on the following question: To what extent do social enterprises that do not maximize profits provide a solution to the many challenges facing the world today? In the essays that follow, two different views are presented.
The Role of Business: Positive Lens vs. Profit Maximizing
In this debate, you will see two separate responses to the question of the role of business. One will discuss the merits of the positive lens approach to business and one will discuss the merits of focusing on shareholder value maximization in business. These are followed by an article in which all of the authors agree on the similarities and the differences.