Step 1: Concept
Businesses have various types of social responsibilities, primarily divided into Economic, Legal, Ethical, and Discretionary categories.
Step 2: Meaning
Since a business is fundamentally an economic institution, its foundational obligation is to survive and grow by generating wealth through operations.
Step 3: Analysis
• Donating for charity is a discretionary or philanthropic responsibility, relying on voluntary goodwill.
• Controlling pollution relates to ethical and legal responsibilities to protect the environment and society.
• Paying taxes honestly is a strict legal responsibility mandated by the laws of the country.
• Earning profits by meeting consumer needs is the core economic responsibility, as it ensures the financial viability of the enterprise and creates value for society.
Step 4: Conclusion
Producing goods and services that society wants and selling them at a profit is the most basic economic role of any business.
Final Answer: (A)