Why Business Must Be About More Than Profit

Reflections on Charles Handy’s “What’s Business For?”

Charles Handy’s article aligns closely with the values I’m building Nutritive Fitness on—prioritizing service and meaningful impact over just chasing growth or numbers. In a world where so many businesses focus solely on profits, Handy reminds us that there’s a deeper purpose to what we do.


He makes a strong case that virtue and integrity aren’t optional extras in business—they’re absolutely essential for a healthy, functioning economy. He compares the economy to a machine, and virtue to the oil that keeps it running smoothly. Without trust, the whole system grinds to a halt. If customers, employees, and partners start to believe companies only care about their own gain, confidence breaks down quickly. We’ve all seen how damaging scandals and unethical behavior can be—not just for one company, but for the entire market. Trust is the foundation everything else is built on.


Handy goes further to say that the real justification for business isn’t simply to make a profit. Profit is necessary, yes, but it’s a means to an end, not the end itself. The true purpose of business is to use those profits to contribute—to support employees, serve customers well, and give back to the community. This idea shifts the focus from short-term gain to long-term value and responsibility.


Two ideas from Handy really stood out to me. First, he suggests redefining success to include social and moral responsibility alongside financial returns. This resonates deeply with how I want to measure success in Nutritive Fitness—not just by revenue or client numbers, but by the positive impact on people’s mental health and well-being. Second, Handy advocates giving employees more ownership and voice in the companies they help build. When people feel invested in the mission, they’re more motivated to act with integrity and care because they’re part of something meaningful.


In today’s business climate, Handy’s message feels more relevant than ever. As entrepreneurs, we face a choice: focus solely on numbers, or pursue meaning and purpose. For me, the answer is clear—I’m committed to building a business that serves, uplifts, and makes a lasting difference.



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