The responsibility of the companies

Interesting poll on different countries view on which is the main responsibility of the companies.

The poll is based on a statement of Milton Friedman, an American economist who stated that "The Social Responsibility of Business is to increase its profit".

In Spain around 30% of the questioned persons agreed with the statement (either "strongly" or "somewhat"), the lowest percentage of the 23 included countries.

In Sweden 60% of the questioned persons agreed with the statement, even a little higher than USA. The theory of "The Economist" is that "Perhaps people feel little need for Corporate Social Responsibility when the government cares for them from cradle to grave."

Maybe that's true... but maybe it is also true that Sweden is a small country which depends heavily on export, and the relation between "healthy companies and welfare" is understood.