[Verse 1] There's a boardroom battle brewing, two philosophies collide Shareholder theory champions profits as the only guide Milton Friedman raised the banner, said the mission's crystal clear Maximize returns for owners, that's the doctrine we hold dear [Chorus] Who deserves the golden slice of corporate pie? Shareholders want their dividends to multiply But stakeholders are knocking at the castle door Employees, customers, communities want more It's shareholder versus stakeholder, the corporate civil war [Verse 2] Stakeholder theory paints a different corporate scene R. Edward Freeman argued business should serve the whole machine Workers building value daily, customers who drive demand Environment and local townships, all deserve a helping hand [Chorus] Who deserves the golden slice of corporate pie? Shareholders want their dividends to multiply But stakeholders are knocking at the castle door Employees, customers, communities want more It's shareholder versus stakeholder, the corporate civil war [Bridge] Agency theory whispers problems in the CEO's ear When managers chase multiple goals, focus disappears But ESG investing shows the tide is turning fast Long-term sustainable value makes the profits last [Verse 3] Short-term gains versus building futures that endure Quarterly earnings calls or stakeholder rapport that's pure Both theories claim the moral ground and economic sense The CFAs must navigate this philosophical fence [Chorus] Who deserves the golden slice of corporate pie? Shareholders want their dividends to multiply But stakeholders are knocking at the castle door Employees, customers, communities want more It's shareholder versus stakeholder, the corporate civil war [Outro] In the end perhaps the answer lies between the extremes Balancing all the voices in the corporate dreams
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