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Why Did Forming Corporations Allow Big Business to Increase in Power and Profitability?
The formation of corporations played a crucial role in the rise of big business, enabling companies to amass significant power and profitability. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon and how corporations paved the way for the dominance of large-scale enterprises.
1. What is a corporation?
A corporation is a legal entity separate from its owners, created to conduct business and enjoy certain rights and liabilities.
2. Limited liability protection:
One of the key advantages of forming a corporation is limited liability protection. Shareholders are not personally liable for the corporation’s debts, which encouraged investors to pour capital into these entities without fear of losing personal assets.
3. Access to capital:
Corporations can issue shares of stock, making it easier to raise capital from a large number of investors. This access to abundant capital allowed big businesses to fund expansion, research, and development, ultimately fueling their growth.
4. Perpetual existence:
Unlike partnerships or sole proprietorships, corporations have perpetual existence, meaning they can continue operating even after the death or withdrawal of shareholders or directors. This stability attracted investors who sought long-term returns on their investments.
5. Economies of scale:
Corporations could achieve economies of scale by centralizing operations, purchasing raw materials in bulk, and streamlining production processes. These efficiencies reduced costs, increased output, and enhanced profitability, enabling large businesses to outcompete smaller enterprises.
6. Professional management:
Corporations could hire professional managers to oversee day-to-day operations, freeing up owners to focus on strategic decisions. This separation of ownership and management allowed for specialized skills and expertise, leading to increased efficiency and profitability.
7. Tax advantages:
Corporations are often subject to lower tax rates than individuals, especially in terms of capital gains and dividends. This incentivized investors to channel their funds into corporations, further boosting their financial resources.
8. Monopoly and market dominance:
The formation of corporations facilitated the consolidation of industries, leading to the creation of monopolies or oligopolies. Through mergers, acquisitions, and aggressive business practices, big businesses gained significant control over markets, further increasing their power and profitability.
9. Influence over policymakers:
Large corporations, with their vast resources, could exert significant influence over policymakers through lobbying and campaign financing. This influence allowed them to shape legislation and regulations in their favor, further enhancing their power and profitability.
In conclusion, the formation of corporations provided numerous advantages that allowed big businesses to increase their power and profitability. Limited liability, access to capital, economies of scale, professional management, tax advantages, market dominance, and influence over policymakers all contributed to their growth. While corporations have undoubtedly played a critical role in economic development, it is essential to strike a balance between their benefits and potential negative consequences to ensure a fair and competitive business environment.
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