We watched The Corporation a couple of days ago in Seattle. Its a little long, but definitely worth seeing. In fact, I would say that it should become required viewing for anyone going to business school.
While I think it goes a little overboard in its anti-corporation stance, it really makes you think about the problems caused by having a legal "person" that is only concerned with making profits and growing them indefinitely at any cost. Even if the people running them are "nice guys" the results can be terrible for employees/customers/the environment. The other side of the coin, not mentioned in the film, is the incredible increase in quality of life we have had because of the innovations developed by corporations. They have undoubtedly been the engine for much of our progress over the last decades.
So its worth watching to become more aware of the potential damage caused by corporations. Businesspeople should think about this stuff and will hopefully take it into account when making decisions.
What is the solution? The film stops at saying that new forms of organization have to be found. Something that makes corporate activities "sustainable" (in terms of the long term impact to the globe). I agree with this. Business organization needs to evolve together with our knowledge and as we realize the impact of our actions.
But it also suggests taking away the corporation's "person" status and allowing governments to revoke corporate charters more easily. I dont see this as a solution.
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