What’s the right way to make hard business decisions? We all know the standard answers: Obey the law and do whatever maximizes profits or produces the greatest shareholder value. This logic and the institutions that reinforce it, like competitive markets and the rule of law, have transformed the world and lifted billions of people from poverty. But, for gray area decisions, the standard answer isn’t the right answer.
The “Maximize Profits” Trap in Decision Making
Look hard at the economics, but don’t stop there.
September 19, 2016
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New!
HBR Learning
![](/resources/css/images/hmm/HBR-learning-icon.png)
Ethics at Work Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Ethics at Work. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Avoid integrity traps in the workplace.
![](/resources/images/hmm/Course_Illustrations/Ethics_at_Work_Course/topic_landing_page_1400.png)