Shareholder Primacy Theory vs. Stakeholder Theory

5 Pages Posted: 24 Apr 2020

See all articles by Jason Hung

Jason Hung

University College London; London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE); Independent

Date Written: March 31, 2020

Abstract

This article presents the practice of shareholder primacy theory and stakeholder theory, with the support of relevant laws and examples in American and British contexts. Here the article argues that managers following shareholder primacy theory should always act in a manner that they reasonably believe they are serving the best interests of the corporation. Such a belief does not exclude directors and managers from considering the interests of non-shareholders as whether “the best interests of the corporation” encompass non-shareholders’ benefits is arguable. In addition, this article discusses corporate social responsibility (CSR) and argues how CSR is related to the practice of stakeholder theory and an improvement of both public and corporate interests.

Keywords: Shareholder Primacy, Stakeholders’ Interest, Corporate Social Responsibility

Suggested Citation

Hung, Jason, Shareholder Primacy Theory vs. Stakeholder Theory (March 31, 2020). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3564804 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3564804

Jason Hung (Contact Author)

University College London ( email )

Gower Street
London, London WC1E 6BT
United Kingdom

London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) ( email )

Houghton Street
London, WC2A 2AE
United Kingdom

Independent ( email )

United States

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