1. Can the goal of maximizing the value of the stock conflict with other goals, such as avoiding unethical or illegal behavior? In particular, do you think subjects such as customer and employee safety, the environment, and the general good of society fit in this framework, or are they essentially ignored? Try to think of some specific scenarios to illustrate your answer.
2. Critics have charged that compensation to top management in the United States is too high and should be cut back. For example, focusing on large corporation, in 2017, First Data CEO made about $102 million and Live Nation CEO made about $71 million. Are such amounts excessive? In answering, it might be helpful to recognize that superstar athletes, top entertainers, and many others at the top of their respective fields earn at least as much, if not more.