A fundamental tenet of corporate law is that a business corporation is organized and carried on for the benefit of its stockholders. In recent times, an increasing number of for-profit organizations have formed in order to pursue social and environmental goals. There is a growing investor movement toward the financial support of organizations that have social benefit purposes at the center of their existence. However, it may be difficult for directors and officers of these organizations to pursue these social purposes without running afoul of traditional fiduciary duties requiring corporate managers to maximize shareholder value.
Offers an extended analysis of the issues.
