Were you familiar with the term “corporatizing”? What do you think it means?
Question by PortWine: Were you familiar with the term “corporatizing”? What do you think it means?
I’ve heard it used when a company gets big enough or the original owners sell enough of it off that it has a large negative impact on employees and customers. Employees feel no job security or support, even though the health of the company has improved. Customers get hard-to-bypass automation when they call the company and/or get someone who is (usually) nice, but doesn’t speak English and is severely scripted. Has the word “corporate” come to deserve a negative connotation?
Best answer:
Answer by Edward G
Edward, First Baron of Thurlow, who lived from 1731 to 1806, is quoted to have said: “Did you ever expect a corporation to have a conscience, when it has no soul to be damned, and no body to be kicked?” (Link, below)
In a business run by its owner(s), responsibility for ethical, or even compassionate, behavior toward customers and employees is clearly defined. In a corporation, however, the owners — that is, the shareholders — delegate responsibility to professional managers.
But, probably, most corporations are ethical and treat their customers and employees — and, of course, their shareholders — well. Unfortunately, the ones we hear about tend to be the bad ones and have given the word “corporate” a negative corporation.
You should keep in mind, however, that plenty of privately owned businesses have been know to treat their employees and customers badly. All the ills you mention — lack of job security, customer treatment — are present both in corporations and privately-owned enterprises. They are often more prevalent in large businesses — and large businesses tend to be corporations.
Also keep in mind, that there is a reason for corporations to exist. They are a very efficient way to accumulate enough capital for large enterprises, e.g., factories, railroads, financial institutions, and the like to be created.
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