What perspective suggests that managers should always act in the best interest of the owners?

The perspective that suggests managers should always act in the best interest of the owners is the Separation Perspective. This viewpoint emphasizes the distinction between ownership and control within a business. In many organizations, particularly corporations, there is a separation between those who own the company (the shareholders) and those who manage it (the executives or managers). The primary responsibility of managers, under this perspective, is to make decisions that maximize shareholder value, ensuring that the interests of the owners are prioritized in strategic decision-making.

This approach often leads to discussions about corporate governance and the ethical responsibilities of managers. It recognizes that while managers may have expertise in running the day-to-day operations of a business, they are not the ultimate decision-makers when it comes to long-term strategic interests; that role belongs to the owners.

The other perspectives do not specifically highlight the responsibility of managers towards owners. For instance, the Ethical Perspective focuses more broadly on moral principles guiding decisions rather than the specific obligation to owners. The Integrated Perspective looks at a more holistic view of stakeholder management, including customers, employees, and the community, while the Collaborative Perspective emphasizes teamwork and cooperation, which may dilute the focus on ownership interests. Hence, the Separation Perspective stands out for its clear alignment with the interests of the owners.