Running head: Christian Worldview – Should a Christian Maximize Shareholder Wealth? Christian Worldview: Should a Christian Maximize Shareholder Wealth? Susan Mason University of Mobile 2 Christian Worldview – Should a Christian Maximize Shareholder Wealth? Abstract The purpose of this paper is to answer the question, as a business CEO in charge of decisions affecting the profit margins of a company and shareholder stake, “Should a Christian maximize Shareholder wealth? To answer the question with a definite Yes or No, an analytical review of the situation will be performed using Biblical based reasoning while avoiding personal opinion in an effort to support the writer’s stance of Yes or No. Keywords: Christian, shareholder, wealth maximization, business, bible, biblical, 3 Christian Worldview – Should a Christian Maximize Shareholder Wealth? Christian CEO’s in today’s business world may find it more challenging than ever to meld their own personal belief system with that of the company they have signed on with.
In a perfect world, the company would be a Christian organization with a mission to uphold a value system that a Christian CEO could easily represent. The reality of the business world is that oftentimes Christians find themselves working for companies that have a different set of values than their own. Finding a way to be true to one’s own self and still uphold the company’s best interest is not impossible but it can definitely prove to be a trial of one’s faith. If a Christian CEO has accepted a position within a company then they have also agreed to perform the requirements of is/her job to the best of their abilities. Some of the primary tasks listed on a CEO’s duties are to manage the business and affairs of the Corporation within the guidelines established by the Board and report to the Board of Directors; recommend to the Board strategic directions for the Corporation’s business, and when approved by the Board, implement the corresponding strategic, business and operational plans; direct and monitor the activities of the Corporation in a manner such that agreed upon targets are met and such that the assets of the Corporation Christian Worldview – Should a Christian Maximize Shareholder Wealth? are safeguarded and optimized in the best interests of all the shareholders.
The Bible states in Colossians 3:23 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men;” and in James 5:12 “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. If a Christian man or woman accepts a position with a company such as CEO knowing the requirements of the position then it is their duty as a Christian and steward to God’s word to do their best in this position. Yes, maximizing shareholder wealth can be viewed as a way to be a good steward, knowing that if the shareholders are making a profit then the company has a good chance of securing the continued support of these investors thus allowing the takeholders of the company the chance to remain stable as well. Luke 16:9-11 “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into the eternal dwellings. “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? ”
