Corporations Are People Too

In the United States, corporations are people just like you and me.

A landmark 1886 U.S. Supreme Court decision (Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad) fundamentally changed how businesses operate. By granting corporations the same legal rights as individuals, this decision has woven complex threads into the fabric of our daily work lives.

Since corporations are people, what do experts say about their mental health? These "people" are often "pathologically narcissistic" and have other serious mental health conditions. (See references at bottom of the article)?

Note: While 1886 was a long time ago, the courts have reaffirmed this ruling time and time again with Northwestern Nat Life Ins. Co. v. Riggs in 1906, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission in 2010, Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores in 2014.?        

What to do if you work for a "pathological narcissist"?

Don’t be afraid of these corporations though. Get clear about your values and use them as your personal compass.

Your values get you through life’s storms and keep you on your path.

For me, values like diversity and balance are non-negotiable standards that dictate how I live and work.

To me, diversity means more than just tolerating differences—it’s about learning from each other to build a stronger collective.

Balance, to me, is about giving weight to multiple perspectives to find solutions that consider all sides, not just serving my own personal interest.

While interacting with corporations is a part of modern life, here’s how you can manage these relationships wisely:

• Respect and Vigilance: Treat them as you would any professional acquaintance. Show respect where it's due, but remain vigilant. Companies often prioritize profits (public companies have an obligation to), and their actions may not always align with your values.
• When Values Clash: If their actions start to diverge from your ethical standards, distance yourself from them. Remember, corporations can show their true colors over time, and not all are pretty.
• Define Your Values: Know clearly what you stand for.
• Investigate Before Getting Into A Relationship: Always look beneath the surface. Research a company’s culture, speak with current and past employees, and ask direct questions during interviews to understand the company's true nature.
• Regular Self-Check: Keep a regular check on your alignment with your values, especially if you're part of a large organization. It's easy to drift when surrounded by different currents.

Examples of Corporate Good

While it’s wise to approach them with caution, some corporations genuinely strive to make a positive impact. TOMS, for example, has held true to the idea of corporate giving with their one-for-one model and continues to support grassroots causes.

Marriott allows customers to convert loyalty points into donations for significant causes, matching these donations—turning corporate profit into communal benefit.

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It’s important to note that this conversation isn’t just about corporations. Any organization can operate under similar principles of personhood (legally or not). Engaging with any large organization means understanding its values and watching how closely those values align with its actions.

At the end of the day, remember that you are more than your job or the "person" you work for. You are an individual with distinct values and the right to stand up for those beliefs. No corporation, no matter how large, should dictate who you are or what you stand for. Stay true to yourself, and let that authenticity guide you in all your relationships.

References

Achbar, M., Abbott, J., & Bakan, J. (2004). The corporation (Film). London: Metrodome Distributions.

Bakan, J. (2004). The corporation: The pathological pursuit of profit and power. London: Constable & Robinson.

Boddy, C. R. P., Ladyshewsky, R., & Galvin, P. (2010). Leaders without ethics in global business: Corporate psychopaths. Journal of Public Affairs, 10(3), 121–138.

Clark, J. (1976). Working with monsters: How to identify and protect yourself from the workplace psychopath. Milsons Point: Random House.

Goodpaster, K. E., & Matthews, J. B. (1982). Can a corporation have a conscience? Harvard Business Review, 60(1), 132–141.

Horwitz, M. J. (1992). The transformation of American law, 1870–1960: The crisis of legal orthodoxy. New York: Oxford University Press.

Mark, G. (1987). Personification of the business corporation in American law. University of Chicago Law Review, 45, 1441–1470.

Phillips, M. (1992). Corporate moral personhood and three conceptions of the corporation. Business Ethics Quarterly, 2, 435–459.

Reich, R. (2008). Supercapitalism. The transformation of business, democracy and everyday life. Melbourne: Scribe.