What are the fundamental purposes of business and the responsibilities of strategic leaders? Milton Friedman, a noted free-market economist, suggested in 1970 that the sole purpose of business is to generate profit for shareholders. A fundamental basis for successful strategy, whether at the economy level or the company level, is understanding the purpose of an organization. Confusion over the means and ends relationships within a strategic thinking context can lead to devastation at all levels of the organization. In this discussion you are asked to reflect upon various points of view that relate to the purpose of business and the role of the strategic leader, and to defend your point of view with readings from the MBA program literature and course concepts